On Feb. 2, the Fund for Calhoun-Gordon presented a $14,400 grant to Voluntary Action Center to assist the organization in upgrading its Community Kitchen. Among the improvements made possible by the grant will be the purchase and installation of a commercial grade stove and range and restaurant grade sink and related plumbing fixtures.

During a recent visit to the Voluntary Action Center by Fund for Calhoun-Gordon representatives Robert Gilbert and Donna McEntyre, Center Executive Director Stacy Long noted that, “With so many people in our community living in distressed circumstances, it has really placed a strain on local services. Upgrading our kitchen will help us serve more people and alleviate some of the suffering.”

“This kitchen has been a dream of ours for a long time and we are so pleased that the Fund for Calhoun-Gordon has stepped forward to help us out,” Long said.

Since beginning this program in June of 2011, the Voluntary Action Center has served more than 2,000 meals, with an average of 60-75 meals per week. Meals continue to be served on Wednesdays at its facility at 343 South Wall Street from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. According to Long, the kitchen will be open on Mondays beginning in April.

Fund for Calhoun-Gordon representative Jim Matthews echoed Long’s excitement, noting that, “When we initially talked about the idea of establishing the Calhoun-Gordon Permanent Endowment, we had projects like this in mind. Proceeds from the Endowment make this grant and the others made by The Fund possible. The Endowment is a renewable source of funds for projects that help people in Gordon County.”

Fund for Calhoun-Gordon leader David Lance added, “Making grants may seem easy, but the fact is that there is always more opportunities than our resources allow. We will never be able to contribute to every initiative or respond favorably to every request, but I am pleased we have the ability to respond to projects like the Community Kitchen.” Lance continued, stating that, “As Ms. Long noted, times are tough and the Voluntary Action Center is taking some pretty solid steps to address the needs of hungry people in our community. Their efforts should be commended.”

The Fund for Calhoun-Gordon is a charitable fund of the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia. Grants originating from the Fund for Calhoun-Gordon are made possible by distributions from the Calhoun-Gordon Permanent Endowment Fund.