Three local organizations were the recipients of the first round of grant awards through the Lewis County Community Foundation (LCCF). The LCCF was formally organized January 4, 2021, and is a permanent endowment in which the principal remains intact and invested, forever, generating earnings to help support Lewis County needs. Annually, an advisory committee of Lewis County residents will award a portion of the fund’s earnings as grants to local organizations and causes.

These grants were made possible thanks to generous donations to support the work of the Lewis County Community Foundation, support from the Larry D. and Margaret D. Brown Advised Fund of the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF), and with special help from a Benedum Foundation grant challenge, which is matching donor gifts.

Recipients included Hacker’s Creek Pioneer Descendants, Central WV Community Action, and Lewis County Blueprint Community. The grant awards totaled $9,200.

Hackers Creek Pioneer Descendants (HCPD) plans to use the their grant to construct a pavilion on the property which will be used for HCPD events and guests, as well as outside groups such as CEOS clubs, schools, 4-H, and other organizations. Patty Lesondak, Executive Director of the HCPD, said they are appreciative of the award and that fundraisers and donations are the bulk of funds collected to keep the library operating.

“The project will begin in April,” Lesondak said, adding the pavilion will be set on a concrete pad. Classes can be held there, as well, once construction is complete.

Lewis County Blueprint will use their funding in partnership with the Weston Cultural Center and The City of Weston to construct StoryWalk locations across Lewis County. Blueprint Community Coordinator Victoria Stansberry said the locations are yet to be determined, but they will also be working with the Louis Bennett, Jr. Public Library to finalize where they will be established. Stansberry said the 16 signs at each of the four locations will be themed “Lewis County and Beyond.” There will be three different expositions that rotate through the four locations, featuring local artists and writers, and art and stories from a national and global level.

“We’re excited about the possibilities,” Stansberry said. “There is a lot you can do with them beyond just books.”

Barb Lovett, case manager for Lewis County for WV Community Action, accepted their award, saying she was very happy to accept the award on behalf of Lewis County Community Action. Lovett said the grant funding will be used primarily for those who have lost employment and who need assistance staying afloat while looking for other employment. She continued by saying they help with so many different situations, and work on a case-by-case basis.

Anyone who wishes to donate to the LCCF or get involved can do so by contacting Julie Posey at at 304-428-4438. The fund was established within the PACF, a nationally accredited, highly regarded, and widely supported public charity with more than 59 years of experience. Visit the Foundation’s website at www.pacfwv.com/lccf to learn more.