Several years ago, the non-profit organization Lincoln New Age was formed to help those in need within the community.
While one of the key organizers Jackie Anderson says that the group was founded in part to assist the children and elderly of the Lincoln Addition, she notes that LNA helps all those in need within Elk City.
Recently, she reached out to the Oklahoma Rural Rehabilitation Corporation to apply for a grant aimed at those similar goals. Last week, two members of ORRC traveled from Stillwater to present LNA with the $2,000 grant.
“We focus our efforts to helping rural communities, and this sort of thing is something we love to help with,” said ORRC member Phil Estes.
He had traveled with fellow ORRC member Vickie Harmon.
After meeting with LNA at their building, Estes and Harmon traveled to Sayre to the USDA building.
“We also give out scholarships every year,” Estes explained. “That is probably our biggest project. High school seniors can apply through our website. Applications are due on April 15. We will be reaching out to the local FFA teachers soon.”
Last year, ORRC awarded 217 scholarships. “They aren’t the biggest scholarships, but we try to help as many Oklahoma kids as we can. As a group, our focus is on communities with populations of 20,000 or less,” Estes added.
Anderson said the money granted to LNA by the ORRC will be used to create a community garden, provide play equipment at their facility for kids, and perform repairs on their building.
The LNA building is located directly to the west of the Lincoln Teen Center.
Lincoln New Age will be holding their annual Christmas Connections party at 1 pm on December 21.
The mission is to help families provide toys, books, and clothing to children during the Christmas and holiday season.
Finger foods will be served at the Christmas Connections event. Donations are still needed.
Current board members of Lincoln New Age are President Mike Smith, Vice President Alondous Whitehead, Secretary Jackie Jones, Trustee Jessica Jones, and board members Lewis Branch, Lindell Brown, Greg Jones, and Shonda Little.
For more information about Lincoln New Age or Christmas Connections, contact (580)3097887.
For more information about Oklahoma Rural Rehabilitation Corporation, visit their website at www.orrcinc.com or call (405)377-2010.
