BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Telegraph Staff Writer
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS—The Clay Electric Foundation said it awarded $106,500 in grants during June, with $15,000 going to the Melrose Volunteer Fire Department, the Santa Fe College Foundation, the Early Learning Coalition of North Florida and Wheelchairs 4 Kids.
The foundation said the fire department will use the money for new engine airbags.
The college will use its grant to support Veterans Bridge Scholarships, which assist veterans transitioning from the military to college.
The Early Learning Coalition manages school readiness programs for preschoolers in Baker, Bradford, Clay, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns Counties. Funds from the grant will be used to support the themed literacy program.
Wheelchairs 4 Kids provides wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications, and other assistive equipment at no charge. Grant funds will support the Let’s Roll program.
Other organizations receiving grants from the utility’s foundation in June were:
Liz McGrath Circle, Inc. in Marion County: $9,000. The Liz McGrath Circle is a volunteer group dedicated to helping the people and children of the rural community of Hog Valley, within the Ocala National Forest. Grant funds will be applied to repairs to the group’s thrift store building.
Veterans Helping Veterans, Inc.: $10,000. Grant funds will support the mobile veteran outreach program.
Haisley Lynch American Legion Post 16 in Alachua County: $5,000. Funds from the grant will support the Service Beyond Enlistment program.
Go Bags for Homeless Children in Columbia County: $2,500. Go Bags for Homeless Children in Lake City is an all-volunteer organization that annually provides bags of basic personal items free of charge to homeless children. Grant funds will be used to supply the go bags.
Palatka Police Athletic League: $10,500. Grant funds will support the league’s summer camp program.
Palatka Band Alliance: $7,000. The Palatka Band Alliance supports the arts education program at Palatka Junior-Senior High School. Funds from the grant will be applied to the purchase of instruments for the marching band.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace Florida, Lake City Chapter: $2,500. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a group of volunteers dedicated to building, assembling and delivering top-notch bunk beds to children and families in need. Grant funds will be applied to the purchase of supplies and materials to provide twin beds for local children.
