News : 29 groups benefit from Hite bequest to Bethlehem

Twenty-nine local, area and regional organizations benefit from a legacy left to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

The church council had designated a $57,000 portion of the total amount given to Bethlehem by the late Esther Ann Hite, who had been a long-time and active member of the Vinton congregation.

Parishioners were asked to suggest potential recipients of those funds; council members then contacted each of those groups about current or potential projects they were raising money for.

Organizations who will receive checks from the Hite tithe include Vinton, Shellsburg and Garrison public libraries and fire departments; guidance offices at the Vinton-Shellsburg high school, middle school and Vinton and Shellsburg elementary centers;

FFA Alumni; Fine Arts Boosters; Koop's Toy Drive; Vinton Municipal Utilities; the Vinton Lutheran Living Community; Vinton Parks and Recreation; Better Together; Boy Scout Troop 47 and Cub Scout Troop 47; Benton County Food Pantry; and Benton County Volunteers;

And Benton County Fair Board; Benton County Veterans Affairs; the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight; Camp Courageous; Chains Interrupted; Gifts of Hope; Pastor Coaching; and Lutheran Services of Iowa.

"The many different missions of these organizations are all deserving of the financial help we are able to give because of the Hite bequest," noted council member and treasurer Bill Martin. "While most of these donations are to be spent as needed, there are others designated for providing food, transportation, heating assistance or mental health services."

"We feel the emphasis on giving to local and regional organizations honors our commitments as a congregation to serving our community as well as the legacy Esther Ann left," said Pastor Anne Williams.

Checks to those 29 organizations will be mailed beginning this month through November.