BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Monitor Editor
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS— The Clay Electric Foundation awarded nine grants in June totaling $65,925 to support community groups throughout its service area.
The Melrose Volunteer Fire Department, which serves Alachua, Bradford, Clay and Putnam counties received $5,000 for the purchase of safety equipment.
Santa Fe College Foundation Inc. received $15,000 for Veterans’ Bridge Scholarships, which help veterans transition from the military to school.
Kristi Overton Johnson Ministries received $5,000 to support the ministry’s Victorious Living prison outreach program.
Kristi Overton Johnson Ministries’ mission is to encourage, equip and empower people to live victorious lives, especially within the prison system.
Christian Service Center of Columbia County Inc. received $7,500 to help residents with utility bills.
The center has been serving the residents of Columbia County since 1984 with support for food, clothing, utility bills, gas assistance, bus tickets, emergency lodging and prescription assistance. The nonprofit serves around 10,000 clients each year.
St. Phillips Lodge #55 in Alachua County received $1,500 to support its annual back-to-school supply giveaway.
The lodge is part of the masonic organization and offers such community service projects as Adopt a Family, Unity in the Community, back-to-school supply giveaways and youth football sponsorships.
Camp Boggy Creek, located in Eustis received $10,000 to sponsor four campers.
The camp was founded in 1996 by Paul Newman and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf to make it possible for children with serious illnesses to enjoy a camp experience in a safe, medically-sound environment.
10 Can Inc. received $10,000 to support the organization’s Reel Healing Program.
10 Can Inc. is an outdoor ministry for military families. It rehabilitates wounded warriors by strengthening their family foundations through outdoor recreational therapy and providing wilderness experiences for urban families.
Mt. Carmel Community Resource Center Inc. in Putnam County received $4,425 to replace the facility’s air conditioner.
Mt. Carmel Community Resource Center is a food pantry that has served Palatka since 2002.
Altrusa International of Lake City Inc. has projects in Columbia, Baker and Suwannee Counties. The foundation awarded the group $7,500 for Altrusa’s Backpack Project, which provides weekend meals for underprivileged children.
Altrusa is an international nonprofit organization making local communities better through leadership, partnership and service.
The Clay Electric Foundation is supported by the co-op’s operation roundup, in which members may voluntarily round up their utility bills to the next whole dollar.
