CHESTERFIELD - The Town of Chesterfield has initiated a fundraising campaign to help the small Kansas town of Greensburg recover from the deadly May 4 tornado. Chesterfield's efforts will specifically address the children of Greensburg who witnessed 95% of their town destroyed.
Chesterfield and Greensburg, though over a thousand miles a part, are very similar in size. Chesterfield with a population 1,327 serves as the county seat. Greensburg, population 1,574, is the seat of Kiowa County.
"Imagine your home gone, your place of employment gone, your church gone, downtown gone, schools gone," Chesterfield Mayor John Douglas said. "Now, imagine all of that through the eyes of a child."
Chesterfield's efforts will focus on providing joy for Greensburg children - hence the name "Grins For Greensburg." Money raised will be used to help with a project to benefit the town's children - a piece of playground equipment or children's books for the local library, for example.
"As time passes we will consult with local officials in Greensburg about exactly how best our donations can help their young," Douglas said. "The American Red Cross, Federal and State governments are addressing Greensburg's basic needs. We want to help with those extras that add so much to children's lives and that we often take for granted."
The Town has set a goal of $5 per person or $6,635 to help Greensburg. Citizens wishing to help with "Grins For Greensburg," may mail checks (made payable to Town of Chesterfield - Greensburg) to PO Box 350, Chesterfield, SC 29709-0350. Donations may also be dropped off at Town Hall, 112 Main Street.
The Town is also encouraging area citizens to donate to the American Red Cross to help with recovery from the disaster. Those wishing to make a donation to the American Red Cross may mail their checks to: Town of Chesterfield, PO Box 350, Chesterfield, SC 29709-0350 (make checks payable to the American Red Cross and note Greensburg on check) or bring them to Town Hall. The Town will promptly forward all checks to the Red Cross. By sending donations for the Red Cross to the Town, a total of all support from the community may be tabulated.
Citizens, church and civic groups are also encouraged to volunteer their time to help in this effort. For more information, contact Mayor John Douglas at 623-9114.
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