North Liberty-based South Slope Cooperative Communications and West Des Moines-based Aureon announced Wednesday, June 1, that matching charity grants have been awarded to several Iowa organizations and communities.
According to a news release, the list includes the North Liberty Community Pantry, the Optimist Club of North Liberty, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, the City of Norway and the City of Fairfax.
The Aureon Charity Grant Committee delegated funds to projects committed to the betterment of local Iowan communities.Â
Norway
The City of Norway will use grant funds to purchase a backup power generator for the Norway Fire Station.
According to the release, during the 2020 derecho, the Fire Station was a safe gathering place for residents where meals were served, shelter was provided, and supplies were handed out. In order for the Fire Station to have power during that time, the City of Norway had to borrow a generator from a neighboring town. To prepare for future emergencies, having a generator available at all times to the City of Norway is essential.
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa will use grant funds to purchase program kits used within the College Community School District in Cedar Rapids.
According to the release, the kits include lesson plans, student materials, and activities. The Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is a nonprofit organization that partners with school districts to teach kindergarten through 12th grade students. These program kits will help teach children about how money works, how education leads to career success, and how to start and run a business.
(Fairfax American Legion), Bernie Frieden (Fairfax Mayor), Bre Horstman (South Slope). CREDIT SOUTH SLOPE
Fairfax
The City of Fairfax will use their grant money to purchase lighting for the Fairfax Veterans Memorial Project.
According to the release, the lighting will be used to help keep the memorial and the American Flag lit at all times. In addition, since the new memorial will be located along a trail at the park, the lighting will also help light the trail.
The Optimist Club of North Liberty
The Optimist Club of North Liberty will use the grant funds to purchase bicycle helmets, rear red flashing lights, and locks for their Safety on Wheels bicycle rodeo.
According to the release, with increasing traffic in the North Liberty area, it is imperative for children to have safety equipment, and learn the rules and skills needed for safe bicycle riding.
The North Liberty Community Pantry
The North Liberty Community Pantry will use their grant money to purchase volunteer t-shirts as part of their recruitment efforts.
According to the release, the pantry has seen a major decline in volunteers during the past two years as a result of the COVID pandemic and volunteers are essential to the pantry’s operations. Matching t-shirts foster a sense of a team and community, and work as an incentive for new volunteers to join the pantry team. It also helps to raise awareness when the t-shirts are worn at community events.
