Kane County fund receives donation

Local farmer John Biddle has directed a $2,500 donation to the Maple Park Family Fund.

Funded by America's Farmers Grow Communities, the donation will help fund the wish lists of families and children.

Wish lists include winter coats, snow pants, hats, gloves and clothes, gas and food gift cards, and medicine. The group also helps purchase school supplies for kids, and fills homes with sheets, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene supplies.

Thanks to the support of farmers across the country, more than $3.2 million is being directed to nonprofits in 1,289 counties in 39 states.

"Maple Park is a small town and there are plenty of people in need," said Biddle. "It's wonderful to be able to give back to my community."

America's Farmers Grow Communities works directly with farmers to support nonprofit organizations like the Maple Park Family Fund, who are doing important work in their communities. The program offers farmers the chance to win $2,500, which is then donated to the farmer's nonprofit of choice.

The search for funding to sustain and enhance programs is a year-round job for nonprofit organizations across the country. Through America's Farmers Grow Communities, farmers have been able to support a variety of groups, such as schools, fire departments, community centers and youth organizations like 4-H and FFA.

America's Farmers Grow Communities launched in 2010, and has since donated over $16 million to more than 6,500 nonprofit organizations across the country. America's Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, is part of the America's Farmers initiative, which highlights and celebrates the important contributions of farmers like John Biddle.

For a complete list of Grow Communities winners and more program information, visit growcommunities.com.

The America's Farmers campaign is an advocacy program celebrating U.S. farmers through communications, awards and special programs that highlight the importance of modern American agriculture.

America's Farmers initiatives include:

• America's Farmers Grow Communities, which supports rural communities by offering farmers the chance to win $2,500 for their favorite local nonprofit organization.

• America's Farmers Grow Rural Education, which supports rural education by offering farmers the chance to nominate local school districts, which can compete for a $10,000 or $25,000 merit-based grant to enhance math and science education.

• America's Farmers Mom of the Year, which celebrates women in agriculture by offering the chance to win up to $10,000 and the title of "National Farm Mom of the Year".

America's Farmers Grow Ag Leaders, which launches this year in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Nebraska, North Carolina and South Carolina, and aims to encourage the next generation to remain involved in agriculture by offering students the chance to apply for a $1,500 scholarship. To learn more, visit America's Farmers at www.americasfarmers.com.