West Virginia Press Association
ELKINS, W.Va. — AmeriCorps members serving with the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area (AFNHA) recently presented a donation to the Augusta Heritage Center to support their scholarship fund. AmeriCorps members raised funds for this project by organizing a square dance that was held at Big Timber Brewing on February 7th. This was one of several organizations supported by AFNHA AmeriCorps members through their annual community service projects.
The event organizers chose to host a square dance as a fundraiser to celebrate a local Appalachian tradition and increase access to local arts, according to AFNHA AmeriCorps member Geneva Brown: “As a West Virginian transplant, I have enjoyed finding ways to learn about and celebrate Appalachian culture, square dances, in particular, have offered me a wonderful opportunity to immerse myself in this vibrant tradition. The Augusta Heritage Center is a cornerstone in the Elkin’s community, from musical events and classes to their summer sessions and foodways classes. It made sense for us to fundraise to better support their scholarship fund so everyone has an opportunity to experience Augusta, regardless of their financial situation.” The event also featured a raffle of items donated by local businesses.
Other organizations that benefited from recent service projects organized by AFNHA AmeriCorps members include Webster Springs Public Library, Philippi Public Library, Randolph County Humane Society, and Blackwater Ministerial Food Pantry. Every year AmeriCorps members throughout the country engage in community service projects in conjunction with the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service.
According to the AmeriCorps website, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is a federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and improve their communities. AmeriCorps has been charged with leading this effort for 30 years.
The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area conserves, interprets, and promotes forest heritage to enhance landscapes and communities in the highlands of West Virginia and Maryland. AFNHA works with partners to accomplish this through community development, conservation, celebrating cultural heritage, and creating opportunities for transformational experiences. AFNHA is a member of the National Heritage Area System. To learn more, see www.appalachianforestnha.org.
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Feature image: Left to right: AFNHA Conservation Programs Manager Josh Wanstreet and AmeriCorps Member Geneva Brown presented a check to Augusta Heritage Center staff Emily Miller and Seth Young.
