The Elgin swimming pool renovation project received a significant boost last week. Not only did Elgin voters approve the bond and special levy of taxes last Tuesday, but Elgin’s Bargain Box officially contributed a significant amount to the project.
Bargain Box co-founders Linda Kerkman and Phyllis Camp presented a check totaling $5,000 to swimming pool committee member Michael Moser last week. According to Kerkman, the pool renovation is one example of the type of projects that benefit many beyond the community. “Our youth are the future. The pool provides entertainment, teaches swimming and brings business to our community,” she said.
Kerkman went on to explain the past, current and future projects that the Bargain Box hopes to contribute to.
It’s time again to report on all the good things we have been able to accomplish with the help of so many. Altogether, $32,788.95 has gone back into Elgin and surrounding communities; $26,348.66 since the first of the year! These totals are something which we all can be proud of.
Our largest donation has been the $5,000 donation to the Elgin pool fund. Elgin Bargain Box has made contributions to 24 medical benefits since the first of the year. Both Antelope and Boone County food banks received regular monthly donations; $500 is given now before the holidays to purchase hams and turkeys for the clientele. Our Community Center has been added to our regular monthly donations. We have contributed to six area fire departments and rescue units.
Other entities receiving money have been Norfolk Veterans Home, Red Cross, Orphan Grain Train, Mercy Meals, homeless shelters, the bloodmobile, 4-H, Neligh Lions, Bright Horizons, Mobile Food Pantry (Albion and Neligh), Faith Regional Hope Fund, Elgin Koed Group (EKG) for the Halloween Party, postage for boxes to send to needy children, libraries and various school activities.
We continue to need items to sell; please, we ask that the items be clean. The items should be ready to put out on the shelves.
Our biggest need is for volunteers willing to help so that one of us does not have to be there every day. Store hours are 10-5 Tuesday through Friday and 10-1 on Saturday. If there is a need, please call one of us and arrangements could be made.
We would like to express our appreciation to Tami Schrage for the new windows and lighting and the men who installed them. We have also received a donation from Thrivent Financial which we used for the storage shelving. And, to our current volunteers for their faithfulness in giving of their time and energy. Blessings on all those who purchase and those who donate. Together we make a great team for the good of so many!
We want to take this time to remind everyone, especially as the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are nearing, that if you know of someone who is in need to please contact the Elgin Bargain Box. Our mission is to help those who need help.
If you have further questions on how you can assist them or know someone who needs assistance, contact Linda Kerkman at 402-843-8524, Carol Eischeid at 402-843-6363 or Phyllis Camp at 402-843-8074.
©The Elgin Review
