3 Hartley non-profit organizations receive $13,500 in grant funds

The O'Brien County Community Foundation (OBCCF), an affiliate of the Siouxland Community Foundation, awarded grants totaling over $106,000 to nonprofit organizations and local government groups in support of projects throughout O'Brien County.

Due to social distancing restrictions a grant presentation was not held this year. Local advisory board members presented grant checks to the individual organizations. Since the first grants were made in 2006, over $1.3 million has been awarded.

"These grants help support our emergency services, better our quality of life in O'Brien County and fund many other worthwhile projects and services. Residents can see the benefits in a wide range of projects," said Advisory Chair Charlene Elyea in a news release.

Three Hartley organizations received a total of $13,500 in grant funding. The Hartley Volunteer Fire Department received $10,000, which will be used to purchase self-contained breathing apparatuses. Hartley Community Daycare received $2,500 for revamping security and cost efficiency, and a $1,000 grant was awarded to Hartley United Methodist Community Christian Preschool for primary preschool classroom replenishment.

The following grants were also awarded by the O'Brien County Community Foundation.

Archer Fire Department, bunker gear purchase, $7,000; Calumet Fire Department, Needs One set, $2,200; Calumet Girls' Little League Softball, Light Up the Skies, $3,000; City of Sheldon-Recreation Department, Sheldon Sports Complex batting cages, $5,000; Cornerstone Senior Communities of Remsen, outdoor deck covering, $2,500; Foster Grandparent Program, volunteer service support, $500; Grant Township Trustees, Covey Church preservation and enhancement, $2,500; Granville Fire and EMS Association, rescue equipment, $3,000.

Also, Kids Express Daycare, bathroom repair/concrete work, $5,000; Kids Kampus, flooring and bathroom remodel, $2,200; Little Sioux Valley Conservation Association, Prairie Heritage Center experience trail, $10,000; Love INC of Greater O'Brien County, Shop with the Cop, $2,000; O'Brien County Cemetery Preservation Association, pioneer cemetery signage, $1,500; O'Brien County Conservation Board, water recreation launching system, $1,990; Paullina Fire Department, fire hose and foam nozzle, $5,500; Primghar Ambulance Team, UV sanitation equipment, $990; Primghar Community Building, handicap door openers, $2,300.

Also, Primghar Fire Department, replace grass/attack truck, $5,500; Sanborn EMS, EMS equipment and mobile radio, $2,500; Sanborn Fire & Rescue, SCBA tank fill station, $3,000; Saving Grace Daycare Center, fire code updates, $5,000; Senior Companion Program, volunteer service support, $1,000; Sheldon Community Ambulance, radio upgrade 2020, $5,000; Sutherland Remembers When Society, window shades and UV protection, $4,400; Wonderland Theater, bathroom enlargement for handicap accessibility, $9,500.00.

The OBCCF was formally established in 2005 through affiliation with the Siouxland Community Foundation and is governed by a local advisory board composed of representatives from each of the communities in O'Brien County: Archer, Calumet, Hartley, Paullina, Primghar, Sanborn, Sheldon and Sutherland, as well as one county-at-large member.