Staff report
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS— The Clay Electric Foundation donated $15,000 to the Putnam First Cancer Fund, marking the largest donation the utility’s nonprofit made in September. The foundation is funded by Clay Electric’s Operation Round Up, in which members round up their electricity bills to the next whole dollar. The foundation contributed $50,100 to eight nonprofit organizations in September.
The Putnam First Cancer Fund uses contributions to provide financial assistance to patients with cancer. The assistance covers basic living needs and timely access to diagnosis and treatment. The fund also increases education and awareness about the disease in addition to providing cancer screening programs and other activities. The Clay Electric Foundation said grant funds will assist county residents in obtaining an official cancer diagnosis to qualify for additional assistance.
Other recipients of Clay Electric Foundation grants in September were:
Alachua Habitat for Humanity – $10,000
Habitat for Humanity assists low-income families in obtaining housing by building homes using volunteer labor. Grant funds will be used to begin the infrastructure for a community of 22 homes.
Fire Rescue Support Inc. of Marion County – $10,000
Fire Rescue Support, located in Belleview, supports fire rescue personnel. Funds from the grant will be used to provide the services of a chaplain.
Alzheimer’s Association in Alachua County- $5,800
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Grant funds will be used to purchase a specialized computer and software for creating videos for educational programs.
Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Florida in Clay County- $2,500
The Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida provides a safe, fun experience through which young people can reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Funding from the grant will support the Project Learn program.
Alachua Conservation Trust – $2,500
The Alachua Conservation Trust protects natural, historic, scenic, and recreational resources in and around North Central Florida. Grant funds will support the Creekside Environmental Education for Kids program.
Better Together in Clay County- $1,800
Better Together seeks to keep families together and children out of foster care by providing them with a temporary home and helping parents work to build a better life. Funding from the grant will be applied to the Better Families program.
Florahome Park and Heritage Association Inc. – $2,500
The Florahome Park and Heritage Association exists to serve the Florahome community through the care and enhancement of its historic neighborhood park. Grant funds will be applied to the restoration of the clubhouse exterior.
