A financial boost is now in hand for the Emporia Rescue Mission — if enough money can be raised by the end of January.
Director Lee Alderman announced a $50,000 matching grant from the William and Aloha Preston Family Trust on Thursday. Proceeds will help the purchase of the Amend Girl Scout Center at 1236 East 12th.
Proceeds will also help to install a sprinkler system and finish basement renovations.
The tentative purchase price is $400,000. Alderman has said the Rescue Mission needs about $200,000 to complete the purchase of the Girl Scout Center, and without giving a current fundraising amount he says the matching grant would likely finish that part of the moving process. The zoning process is next. Alderman says the plan needs a conditional use permit, which would need recommendation by the Metropolitan Planning Commission and final approval by the Emporia City Commission.
The Girl Scout Center had been up for sale for at least a month as the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland have been working to consolidate local operations at Camp Double-E, 794 Road 200.
The challenge grant deadline is Jan. 31. For information on the matching grant or to donate, call Alderman at 794-2977.
