Community helps obtain grants for school, nonprofit

view original at paducahsun.com

By EMILY WILLIAMS ewilliams@paducahsun.com

In August, both Hendron Lone Oak Elementary and The Moses Basket of Calvert City were selected as finalists for the chance to receive a $25,000 grant from State Farm's Neighborhood Assist program.

But to win and receive the funding, community votes were needed.

State Farm launched a website on Aug. 15, giving community members the opportunity to go online and vote daily for their organizations until Aug. 24. Tuesday morning, both the local school and nonprofit had cause to celebrate as they learned that they were voted by their community as two of 40 top causes and would receive the grant.

State Farm's Neighborhood Assist program helps fund neighborhood education, safety and community development projects. Since it began, State Farm has awarded $6 million to more than 200 organizations.

"Neighborhood Assist is another example of how State Farm is successfully turning caring into doing in communities all across the U.S.," said Ed Woods, State Farm Director-Human Resources. "From identifying an important cause to rallying your community to vote for it, this program is all about neighbors helping neighbors."

Hendron Lone Oak Elementary will use the grant to ensure their school is even safer than before, with plans to update their PA system and security cameras.

"HLOE is blessed to have a community that is so supportive," said Principal Jon Reid. "They have shown this through their voting by helping us receive the State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant of $25,000. We are also grateful to State Farm for being so generous and willing to make a difference in communities by offering grants like this."

The Moses Basket is a nonprofit organization that strives to aid in the transition of children being placed in foster or relative care in western Kentucky.

With the funding provided by State Farm, the nonprofit will be able to reach 400 families in Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, Hickman, Graves, Calloway, Lyon, Trigg, Livingston, Crittenden and Caldwell counties.

"We are beyond thrilled to be receiving these funds as they will be distributed to the remaining 11 counties as a starter fund to get The Moses Basket up and going in those areas," Beck said. "Our community came together and made this happen. We cannot thank them enough."