Chesaning United distributes a second round of donations

On Tuesday, Oct. 7, Chesaning United distributed microgrants to several nonprofit organizations in the Chesaning area. Pictured are front row, from left to right grant recipients Tara Birchmeier (Big Rock Elementary School counselor), Cheri Thiel (Garber Chevrolet Stuff-a-Bus), Lynne Clark (River Rapids District Library), Matthew Ralbusky (Big Rock Elementary School principal accepting on behalf of Amanda Brassfield and the early childhood program) and Amy Leffel (Chesaning Middle School’s Positive Behavior Intervention Supports). Chesaning United volunteers are back row, from left to right Chesaning United President Kyle Byron, Treasurer Mary VanLoon, Secretary Cathy Gross, and at-large members Calleen Harrison and Susan Cannon. Photo by Jeanne Marcello

CHESANING – On Tuesday, Oct. 7, Chesaning United (formerly Chesaning Area United Appeal) distributed $11,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations as a phase two, fall donation distribution.

Phase one grants were awarded in May to Chesaning Area Emergency Relief (CAER), Chesaning Senior Center’s Young at Heart Club, Brady Senior Center, Manna from Heaven food distribution, the ‘Indian Closet’ at Chesaning High School and the Rehmann Health Center.

The phase two, grants were awarded to Big Rock Elementary School’s early childhood program, Garber Chevrolet’s Stuff-a-Bus project, the River Rapids District Library, Chesaning Middle School’s Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) and caring closets at both Big Rock Elementary School and Chesaning Middle School.

Chesaning United is a 501-C3 nonprofit serving the Chesaning area for more than three decades. It provides a way for citizens to contribute to the welfare of the entire community, reaching out to all age groups. Every dollar donated is tracked. There are no paid positions, only volunteers.

Chesaning United’s Fall Fund Drive will be getting underway in mid- November.

As a volunteer driven organization, Chesaning United is always looking for new volunteers to help prepare the annual mailing and share their talents in other ways.

The current board includes President Kyle Byron, Treasurer Mary VanLoon, Secretary Cathy Gross, at large members Susan Cannon, Deb DeLong, Laina Glaser, Calleen Harrison, Joe Ruthig, Michelle Schroeder, and its newest member Tim Palmer.

Chesaning United will be awarding grants again in the spring and fall of 2026. In the meantime, folks are encouraged to donate to Chesaning United to help local nonprofits help others in the community.

Information and micro grant applications can be obtained on its Facebook page at Chesaning United.