South Slope Provides Matching Grants to Support Local Organizations

December 7, 2021

South Slope Cooperative Communications and Aureon are pleased to announce that matching charity grants have been awarded to the North Liberty Fire Department, City of Fairfax, and North Liberty Community Pantry. Upon reviewing an abundance of applications, the Aureon Charity Grant Committee delegated funds to projects committed to the betterment of local Iowan communities.

The North Liberty Fire Department will use their grant money to purchase three pieces of equipment to aid in aircraft emergencies: a sawzall, battery-operated chainsaw and on-scene lighting. The fire department is working on developing policy, dispatch procedures, and joint training with surrounding fire departments to handle aircraft emergencies. An important part of that mission is being fully equipped for these situations. During an aircraft emergency, the sawzall will help in extricating victims trapped inside the aircraft and the battery-operated chainsaw will help first responders access crash sites. On-scene lighting will allow emergency personnel to properly illuminate the scene for safer and more efficient operations.

Fairfax is working with the Fairfax American Legion and William Wicks of Boy Scout Troop 37 to help design, fund, and construct a new Veterans Memorial for the City of Fairfax. They will use their grant funds to purchase a pole for a U.S. Flag as part of the memorial. The memorial will be located at the Fairfax Regional Sports and City Park Complex, which draws thousands of people throughout the area every year. Individuals from the Fairfax area who have served as a U.S. Military Veteran have the opportunity to be recognized with this memorial.

The North Liberty Community Pantry will use their grant money to purchase coats, snow pants, boots, hats, and gloves for their annual winter clothing distribution. More than 700 families have visited the North Liberty Community Pantry this year for basic food and clothing needs.  Coats, snow pants, boots, hats and gloves are necessary for children walking to school and are required for children to participate in outdoor recess during the winter.

Grant applications are available at www.southslope.com/grants. Grants are awarded quarterly and amounts are determined by an independent charity grant committee.