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The Mary Allison Children's Trust continues to aid local students
Every year each of the eight Putnam County elementary schools receive a sum of $1,000 from the Mary Allison Children's Trust Fund. Teachers and counselors at each school determine how the money is spent. And, it can be used for any purpose as long as it benefits the students of their school.
This group meets annually for a luncheon sponsored by Wabash Capital and Tri County Bank and Trust Co. It is held in the Ivy Gallery at the Area 30 Culinary School where students under the direction of Mary Birt provide a wonderful meal.
It is here in this room that the real stories of what the trust fund means are told by those who live the experience.
"We are not here to just throw money at problems, we solve problems, one little feller at a time," Board President Jim Jackson said. "Everything we do has an effect on the future and you all have decided to make a positive difference."
This fund provides financial assistance toward health care, education and welfare for underprivileged children in Putnam County when all other resources have been exhausted.
Jeanna Butler, counselor at Bainbridge, explained, "We were able to help a family after a house fire easing their struggles. Glasses for a young person put a big smile on the students face and improved their learning capabilities."
Roachdale Elementary School counselor Dan McMurty told the group what a blessing it is to be able to help a child in need of glasses or turn on the electricity in a home so a student has lights to study.
Corey Brackney, counselor at Fillmore and Central Elementary schools, talked about how they were able to help children with shoes and clothing
"Fitting in with their peers is very important to the children," she adds.
Fillmore Principal Brad Hayes told of providing four students with glasses and turning on the heat for a family.
Deer Meadow Counselor Becky Greenlee summed up what the fund means, "Seeing a child smile because of a new pair of glasses or get to go on a field trip does your heart good."
The Mary Allison Children's Trust came about from the sale of the Mary Allison Children's Home in mid-1980 to a non-profit organization.
The orphan home was originally created by Mary Allison following the deaths of her grandchild and daughter in 1887 and 1888. During this era children who had no home were usually sent to work on the County Farm.
As a memorial to her daughter, Mary Allison created a corporation to manage "The Putnam County Orphans' Home," which opened with seven children living in it.
The institution was housed in several locations over time eventually ending up in 1922 in the old Lockridge home on West Columbia St. in Greencastle. It soon became known as the Allison House.
After decades of housing needy children the home finally closed in 1992. Although the residence no longer housed children, the legacy of the Mary Allison's trust continues to this day through the current program of providing each elementary school with funds to help children in need.
Money is raised through contributions and an annual golf outing. Wabash Capital and Terre Haute Savings Bank are the financial overseers of the trust
At the end of the luncheon, Jackson thanked the Mary Allison Fund's Trust Patrons and Partners. He stated that the annual golf outing was another success with 20 team attending the event in 2013. This event is a fundraiser for the organization.
Fund patrons and partners include: Duke Energy, Wabash Capital, Tri County Bank and Trust Co., Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church, Pearl's Landscaping, Heritage Environmental, Wal-Mart Distribution, Wal-Mart Store, York Automotive, JoAnn Linn and English Family Farms.
Contributions to the Mary Allison Children's Trust can be mailed to Treasurer Ginger Scott at P.O. Box 369 Greencastle, 46135.