Dennis Bloom, Chair of the Montgomery County Community Foundation (MCCF) says 12 nonprofit agencies were recently awarded grants totaling $17,800. Among them was:

• The Red Oak Public Library, which received $1,300 to provide a virtual learning center (computer & software).
• The Stanton Senior Center, $400, for the purchase of a new air conditioner.
• The City of Stanton Public Library, $1,000 for the purchase & implementation of a new automation system.
• Elliott Volunteer Fire Dept., $500 to replace old pagers.
• Montgomery County Family YMCA, $3,000 to upgrade the health/wellness fitness center.
• The Montgomery County History Center, $1,450, to purchase equipment & materials to help research area history & archive it.
• Red Oak Community School District, $3,000, to renovate “Cage” recreation site for use by the general public.
• Stanton Child Resource Center, $1,400, for school preschool & toddler programs, supplies & equipment.
• Stanton Greenbelt, $1,000, to add more handicap-accessible trails for public use.
• The Wilson Performing Arts Center, $2,000 for equipment.
• Villisca Community School District, $2,000, to purchase cameras for use with school interactive whiteboards.
• Villisca Public Library, $750, to provide e-book services & a space for use by young people.

The grant checks were presented to representatives from those nonprofit agencies, last Thursday. The total amount of $17,800 includes $1,000 from the Villisca High School Class of 1977 Endowment Fund, and, $800 from the Stanton Endowment Fund. Over the past 11 years, the Montgomery County Endowment Fund has distributed more than $656,000 to nonprofit agencies in the County.