Empire Emergency Fund receives generous donations, despite pandemic

Empire resident Gerry Shiffman launched the Empire Emergency Fund.

From staff reports

The Empire Emergency Fund, an initiative of the Empire Area Community Center (EACC) which raises money to pay the bills for locals who have fallen financially on hard times, received donations of more than $20,000 in 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the inability to have concerts, auctions, or any fun group activities that would normally generate donations, they still arrived, said EACC president Linda Payment. Donations in the amount of $22.426.92 flowed in throughout last year. The Emergency Fund paid bills for 13 families amounting to $21,655.47.

“EACC and the Emergency Fund is grateful for the kind generosity of the many individuals, businesses, and other nonprofits that donated to this worthwhile cause,” said Payment. “2021 is beginning with an increased surge in requests for assistance. Thank you to all who continue to support our efforts to help our friends and neighbors who have fallen upon hard times. We are dedicated to continue our mission to enrich as many lives as possible through assistance and fun events.”

The Empire Area Community Center also announced this week that it will not hold an Anchor Day festival this year. Anchor Day is typically held the third weekend in July.

Emergency Fund concerts are tentatively scheduled to resume in September.

Click here for more information about the Empire Area Community Center.