The Golden Belt Community Foundation opened its door in 2001 and in 2002 awarded its very first grant awards. Libraries across Barton, Pawnee, Rush and Stafford counties each received $250 to purchase books for the health and well-being of youth in their communities, according to GBCF Development & Communication Coordinator Mackenzie Mitchell.

To celebrate the foundation’s 25th anniversary, GBCF staff decided to “recreate” the occasion by awarding $800 grants to a dozen area libraries.

Recipients of the new grants are Great Bend Public Library, Ellinwood Public Library, Hoisington Public Library, Nora E. Larabee Memorial Library in Stafford, Macksville City Library, Ida Long Goodman Memorial Library in St. John, Jordaan Memorial Library in Larned, Burdett Library, Barnard Library in La Crosse, Otis Community Library, Bison Community Library and McCracken Public Library.

GBCF Executive Director Christy Tustin found a Great Bend Tribune photo taken by Dale Hogg in 2002 after the Hoisington Public Library purchased 22 books with its grant money. “We’ve got a stack of scrapbooks (now),” Tustin said. Then, as now, the grant money was from the Kansas Health Foundation. The new grants are also funded in part by a private donor.

The Golden Belt Community Foundation makes grants to area nonprofit organizations to enhance the quality of life in its communities. For more information or to make a donation, call 620-792-3000, visit the website at goldenbeltcf.org or stop by the office at 1307 Williams St. in Great Bend.