Five local non-profit organizations were given a little extra help this week through the generosity of members of Ascension St. Matthews. Reverend James Drury and several parishioners handed out checks totaling $1,200 on Tuesday night.
Family Support and Children’s Justice Center, Active Re-Entry, The Sun Center, The Boy’s and Girl’s Club and The Clothing Closet all were the beneficiaries of the funds. Drury explained that even though it did not seem like a large amount, this is just a small piece of what the church contributes in the community throughout the year.
Executive Director of the Carbon County Boy’s and Girls Club said she thought they would use the funds to reward their kids for good grades. Colleen Michak thought they would put the money toward the purchase of an awning to cover the play area at the Family Support Center, but was’t completely sure.
The majority of the money given out was raised last year at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner that the church holds on the Tuesday before lent. They also have a Fall Fair in October with a yard sale, kitchen and craft shop that raises money for community needs. The church was able to match the $600 raised locally with $600 from Thrivent Financial Lutheran to double what they were able to give.
The youth group at the church has been donating to the Carbon County Food Bank. The Power and Light Children’s group matches their bible lessons with a community resource. They have given to the PAWS program, the Food Bank and New-Borns-in-Need to name a few.