SOUTHWICK-The Southwick Dollars for Scholars organization is at a “crossroad,” according to Lisa Hough, president.
“We are always looking for board members to help and we currently need a vice president and a treasurer as well as a few volunteers,” said Hough, who has been associated with the group for three years.
Hough noted that board members meet monthly and participate in two or three fundraisers each year.
“We have a wonderful board of outstanding volunteers,” she said. “The time commitment is as little or as much as you can give.”
Hough added that the COVID-19 pandemic was devastating to the organization.
“In 2019 we distributed approximately $15,000 in scholarships plus the $30,000 Atkinson scholarship that is set up in honor of Dick Atkinson, a beloved track coach,” said Hough. “This past May, we distributed $6,000, plus the Atkinson scholarship.”
Hough noted the pandemic left an “extreme drop in scholarship funds.”
Hough said she is hopeful there are town residents who will consider joining the organization so it can remain viable in the coming years.
“Southwick Dollars for Scholars was established in the 1950s,” said Hough. “We will make a decision in September to determine if we have a viable organization.”
Hough noted that keeping the organization running is costly, from paying insurance for its bond, paying the national Dollars for Scholars organization, and the annual fee for the state report.
“We are talking about $1,000 just to keep our doors open, not to mention the printing, envelopes, ceremony and related mailing costs that are part of the scholarship process,” she said. “I will do anything to keep this organization but I don’t want to have false hope.”
Hough said in past years the organization conducted an annual mailing to every resident in town and all businesses.
“This mailing is not an option for us any longer,” said Hough. “We have to focus on social media for all of our communication efforts.”
Hough asked that town residents follow the organization on Facebook, and if you would like to be added to the email list, send Hough a message to [email protected].
“Our annual drive will go from snail mail to electronic mail,” said Hough. “Every donation, no matter the size, is greatly appreciated.”
Hough said that many of the scholarships are built from $10, $15 and $25 donations that are grouped together to create a single scholarship.
“You also have the option to create a scholarship to be donated in your name, or someone you wish to honor, when a minimum donation of $250 is made,” said Hough. “Southwick Dollars for Scholars will match the first $250 to create a named scholarship of $500 or more.”
Donations may be mailed to Southwick Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 838, Southwick, MA 01077, and can also be made through the organization’s website.
“We are teetering right now and depending what happens by September, we will determine if we can make it work or if we have to consider closing down the organization,” she said.
