South Slope Provides Matching Grants to Support Four Local Organizations

December 16, 2024

South Slope Cooperative Communications and Aureon are pleased to announce that matching charity grants have been awarded to the Ely Volunteer Fire Department, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, Optimist Club of North Liberty, and the North Liberty Community Pantry. The Aureon Charity Grant Committee delegates funds to projects committed to the betterment of local communities.

The Ely Volunteer Fire Department will use the funds to replace their outdated fire engine. The new engine will offer increased storage, more seating, enhanced safety features, and the capacity to carry vital medical equipment, ensuring better protection for the community.

Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa will use the funds to purchase two Nintendo Switch systems, four sports games, and two pulse oximeters for the JA BizTown® Mobile program. These additions will enhance the hands-on learning experience, allowing students to monitor their heart rates during physical activity and explore health and wellness careers. The two units will ensure smooth operation and allow multiple students to participate at once, maximizing the program’s impact.

The Optimist Club of North Liberty will use the funds to purchase winter outerwear for children in our community. This generous effort will provide essential coats, hats, boots, snow pants, mittens, and other necessary winter clothing to the Family Resource Centers at the Iowa City and Clear Creek Amana elementary schools in North Liberty.

The North Liberty Community Pantry will use the funds to acquire additional bins and carts, which are vital for ensuring efficient and effective food distribution to those in need within our community. These resources will also support the pantry’s growth. Having the right equipment is essential for maintaining the high-quality service the pantry offers to families experiencing food insecurity.