The National Grange has recognized the Perry Valley Grange of Perry County, PA as one of the top Granges in the country for community service in 2009. Perry Valley placed second 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.
The 100 members of Perry Valley Grange contributed 3,239 hours to projects in their community during 2009. The year’s main project was a cancer patient benefit dinner for a young woman suffering from a severe form of cancer. Grange members sold 350 tickets, donated all of the food and raffle prizes and, as a result, gave the young woman a check for $11,842.83.
Other Perry Valley Grange 2009 community service projects included co-sponsoring blood drives, Christmas sponsorship in Millerstown, Valentine distribution to shut-ins, volunteering at the local recycle center and livestock purchases at the County Fair. “Perry Valley Grange chooses their community service projects each year based on the express needs of their community, whether that be individuals or other local groups,” stated Perry Valley Grange president Douglass Bonsall.
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.
