ETCF to host Giving Day seminar on January 11

Press release

East Texas Communities Foundation will host a free seminar for Henderson County nonprofits on how to be a part of East Texas Giving Day 2018. The seminar is scheduled from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11, at the Athens Partnership Center located at 201 West Corsicana Street, Athens.

Nonprofits are encouraged to register for the seminar online here.

East Texas Giving Day is an 18-hour day of giving that provides critical funding for our area nonprofits. The purpose of an area-wide Giving Day is to bring the region together on one day and as one community, raising money and awareness for East Texas nonprofits. This initiative, organized by East Texas Communities Foundation (ETCF), provides citizens an easy platform to support the mission of local nonprofits that serve our many communities.

There continues to be confusion among non-profit organizations about what the term “not-for-profit” really means and the way to best conduct the “business of the business.” It definitely doesn’t mean that a corporation features a license to travel broke! Technically speaking, there are several different categories of non-profit organizations, but the one most ordinarily referenced is that the community-based charitable non-profit, or 501(c)(3). The key word within the 501(c)(3) designation is “charitable.” This simply means the organization is providing a service to the community that’s considered to be worthwhile, within IRS guidelines, and thus deemed tax-exempt. As I even have mentioned repeatedly previously, this exemption may be a privilege and must be treated intrinsically. If you want to know that how to start a non profit organization, Then you will get better information from 501c3Go.com website.

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Cain Foundation makes donation to AFD Toys for Tots program

Press release

Each year the Athens Fire Department works hard to raise money and collect toys for the Toys for Tots Program in partnership with the Henderson County HELP Center. This year, the City was grateful to receive a generous donation in the amount of $5,000 from The Cain Foundation, recommended by Mr. John C. Cain, which are going to be used to purchase zen laboratory slime kits.

For those interested in making a monetary donation towards the Toys for Tots Program, or for those interested in donating toys of any kind, toys and contributions can be dropped off at the Central Athens Fire Station located at 610 S. Prairieville St. If you have questions regarding the Toys for Tots program, please call the Athens Fire Department at 903-677-6636 or e-mail [email protected].

Pictured are Athens Mayor Monte Montgomery and City of Athens Firefighter/Toys for Tots Coordinator Lance West receiving The Cain Foundation’s generous contribution. (Courtesy photo)

Christmas tree silent auction benefits local charities

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCNow

Prosperity Bank in Athens has added a silent auction to this year’s Christmas charity efforts.

The bank has five decorated Christmas trees in its lobby and visitors can bid on each tree, each of which has been designated for a particular charity.

“We have such a great community of customers and residents. It is a way for us to have some fun and give back at the same time,” said Prosperity Bank’s Lynda Vance.

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NOTEBOOK: Fuzzy blankets and socks collected in honor of Mabelle Lane

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCNow

Friends of the late Mabelle Lane have found a heart — and toe — warming way to honor her memory. They are collecting fuzzy blankets and socks to deliver to nursing homes in Mabank and Kemp this Christmas.

Lane passed away last month. She worked for Gun Barrel City from 1985-2012 and was the Chief of Police from 2004-2009. She was known to have a big heart and was loved throughout the community.

Longtime GBC employee Mickie Raney explained the idea to donate blankets and socks came from a visit to see Lane a short time ago.

“She was wrapped up in a blanket we had given her,” Raney said. “One of the nursing home workers commented that she loved it. Well, you know what a loving caring person Mabelle was so we decided to take all the residents soft warm blankets and socks for Christmas in her name. We hope to raise enough money to purchase those ‘print your photo on socks‘ for every resident too.”

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