Community Spotlight: Vinton County Community Fund
Giving.
It’s a meaningful word, especially for Appalachian communities where needs tend to be great.
Thanks to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, three of VCNB’s home counties - Jackson, Hocking and Vinton - all have community funds that make it easy to help.
In Vinton County, the Community Fund is still relatively new and working to generate awareness, to find supporters, and to benefit Vinton County and the people who live here. Board spokesperson Bruce Knox said that gifts to their endowment fund are invested with earnings from these dollars returning to the community through grants to nonprofits, schools and other organizations that serve Vinton County.
For example, grants have helped cover the cost of overnight stays for Vinton County families at Ronald McDonald House and have enrolled additional Vinton County children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio. They have helped cover the cost of refrigeration for the Truth Food Pantry of Hamden, and new archery equipment for the Vinton County Soil and Water Conservation District’s National Archery in School’s program
Each of these projects are intended to make a lasting impact. At McArthur’s Wyman Park, they helped fund a sidewalk that makes the restrooms handicap accessible. “It’s difficult to go to the park and enjoy your day when you can’t access the restroom if you need it. Now everyone, regardless of mobility can spend time at our community park.”
Good news came last year when Vinton County native Jim Mitchell made a donation through the Community Fund that grants free tuition, books and fees for all students who attend the Rio Grande Community College McArthur Center. Mitchell graduated from McArthur High School in 1959 and was the only child of parents who were actively involved in the community. He remembers his hometown fondly and wanted to invest in the county’s future.
The McArthur Center offers various degree and certification programs in general studies, healthcare, social work, and more. This means Vinton County’s future health care workers, electricians, plumbers and educators can begin their path to success in their hometown.
Knox called this gift “life changing” for people and for the community. “Education opens doors and helps people improve themselves. By pursuing a post-secondary education without incurring debt, they have the chance to better themselves and leave a lasting impact on the community.”
In addition, Mr. Mitchell has another fund in his name with the Community Fund. This fund has helped facilitate a joint effort welding program between Vinton County High School and Buckeye Hills Career Center.
Fair To Family has also benefited from Mr. Mitchell’s generosity. This initiative encourages livestock buyers at the Vinton County Fair to donate their purchases to the St. Francis Center Food Pantry. Fair To Family will arrange for slaughter, packaging and delivery to the St. Francis Center to help feed low-income families in Vinton County. Last year they were gifted two cows and nine hogs but have funds to process more animals this year. VCNB has supported this program since it’s inception, according to Branch Manager Heather Boothe. “We love being able to support the kids by purchasing their livestock and then be able to give it away so that it helps lots of families here in our community,” Boothe said.
Some may find the talk of endowment funds a little intimidating but Knox explained that gifts come in all shapes and sizes and make a tremendous difference. Gifts may be large amounts of cash, stocks or even things like real estate but are more commonly smaller amounts of money like a one-time gift of $30 or a monthly pledge of $20. “Small amounts add up and, if we can get ten people to donate $10 a month, that adds up quickly,” Knox said. “People don’t realize that $1000 can be life changing for a lot of people.”
They look for projects that advance opportunities across five areas known as “Pillars of Prosperity.” Those pillars are arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. Emphasis is given to supporting individuals of all ages who are spearheading efforts that create opportunities, meet pressing needs and unleash the potential within Vinton County.
Gifts to the Vinton County Community Fund are tax-deductible and can be made in many ways, including cash, bequests, stock, real estate, royalties, insurance beneficiaries and qualified charitable distributions from IRAs.
To mail your donation, please designate the fund and mail to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, 35 Public Square, Nelsonville, OH 45764. Donations can be made online by designating the Vinton County Community Fund when donating.