Rick Johnson presents the donation to librarian Janeille Bennett (right)and Amanda Sinift last week. (The Enterprise/Scotta Callister)
The Vale City Emma Humphrey Memorial Library has received a $2,500 donation from America’s Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund and directed by local farmer Rick Johnson of Malheur County.
The donation will buy much-needed technology to help develop a program for teens and young adults. The goals of the program are to enhance skills and provide exposure to a wide variety of interests using literature and technology.
The library’s summer reading program for youth with be expanded and tablets will be purchased to facilitate group classes beginning with a guest instructor in graphic arts and continuing with experiences intended to engage and prepare young people to be full participants in the local community and global society.
Johnson nominated the Vale City Emma Humphrey Memorial Library for this grant. A native of Vale, he is deeply committed to the future success of the young people in our community.
Librarian Janeille Bennett said the library is grateful to Monsanto Farmers for their generosity and vision.
For six years, America’s Farmers Grow Communities has collaborated with farmers to donate over $22 million to more than 8,000 community organizations across rural America. Winning farmers direct donations to nonprofits to help fight rural hunger, purchase lifesaving fire and EMS equipment, support ag youth leadership programs, buy classroom resources, and more.