Palatine Jaycees distribute $20,000 to community groups
The Palatine Jaycees are distributing checks to 17 organizations this month as part of its Community Donations program, a distribution of profits from the various projects held during the previous fiscal year.
During the 2016 fiscal year, which runs from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, the Palatine Jaycees accumulated $20,000 that they are distributing throughout the community.
"This is what the Jaycees are all about," said Ellen Dugosh, chairman of the Major Community Donations Committee. "This distribution is the culmination of all the hard work the Jaycees have done throughout the year. Raising funds through various projects, such as Hometown Fest, and then giving back to local organizations is one of the core values of the Jaycees."
This year the $20,000.00 in donations was split between 17 different organizations which serve the Palatine community and had contacted the Jaycees requesting assistance. The donations ranged from $250 to $2,500. The donation amount was determined by the Community Donations committee based on the need exhibited in the request and the impact that the donation would have on the community.
The groups that the Palatine Jaycees donated to this year are Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health, American Legion Post 690, Center for Enriched Living, Escorted Transportation Services (ETS-NW), Excel Beyond 211 Scholars, Journeys, Little City, Northeast Palatine Summer Camp, NSSEO Kirk School, OMNI Youth Services, one-five Foundation, Palatine Township Senior Citizen Council, Partners for Our Communities (POC), Preservation of Human Dignity (PHD), Realtors Against Homelessness/District 211 Foundation, Shelter Inc, and Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF).
The Palatine Chapter of the Jaycees, one of 60 local chapters throughout Illinois, has close to 125 members and is one of the largest chapters in Illinois. The Jaycees provide individuals between the age of 21 and 40 the opportunity to develop personal and leadership skills while serving their community.
The chapter conducts over 50 projects per year ranging from large projects such as Christmas tree sales and Hometown Fest, to small ones like the Easter egg hunt. At the end of the fiscal year, all of the profits, less chapter expenses, are funneled back into the community.
The Palatine Chapter holds its monthly general meeting 7:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month, at the American Legion Hall on Palatine Road, Palatine. For information on the Palatine Jaycees, membership or any of their sponsored events visit their website at www.palatinejaycees.org, email info@palatinejaycees.org or call (847) 604- 0288.