The National Grange has recognized the Flora Grange of Belvidere, IL as one of the top Granges in the country for community service in 2009. Flora Grange placed third out of the almost 2,700 local Granges spread across 40 different states. The recognition came during the National Grange’s 143 annual convention held November 17th to 21st in Grand Rapids, MI.
Flora Grange’s 98 members contributed 6,274 hours to local community service projects during 2009. Flora’s main efforts concentrated on the Boone County Fair. Members helped with the remodeling of the fairground bathroom, expanding of the handicapped viewing area and painting and repairing park benches throughout the fairgrounds.
Other 2009 projects included contributing dictionaries to local schools as part of the national Words for Thirds project, work on the local food pantry, involvement in Habitat for Humanity projects, bell ringing for the Salvation Army, Christmas toys for children and Christmas trays for the elderly, farm tours and contributions to other local causes. Stated Flora Grange President Tom Ratcliffe, “The Grange is a community and family oriented organization. It offers citizens a vehicle to give back to their community as well as a place for good, wholesome family fun.”
The National Grange is the nation's oldest general farm and rural public interest organization. Originally founded in 1867, today the Grange represents over 200,000 grassroots Grange members affiliated with 2,700 local, county and state Grange chapters located in 37 states. Grange members provide service to agriculture and rural communities on a wide variety of issues, including economic development, education, family endeavors, and legislation designed to assure a strong and viable rural America.
