The members and representatives of the Befesa Community Fund presented checks to grant recipients last week at the PenTeleData Conference Room in Palmerton.

Chairman Rory Koons welcomed the attendees and recognized the current board members. A total of nearly $17,000 was given out.

Organizations that received donations were the Palmerton Borough, Carbon County Police Chiefs Association, Lehigh Gap Nature Center and the Slatington Public Library.

Palmerton Borough Manager Autumn Canfield said the borough’s award will be used for borough park improvements and maintenance along with the completion of a new LED lighting on the side streets.

Canfield said the lighting project is a collaboration of safety improvements surrounding the borough park and in part with the borough and community festival committee.

Carbon County Sheriff Daniel Zeigler said funds will be used to purchase gun secure lockers for the new Carbon County Emergency Training Center in Nesquehoning.

Zeigler said the lockers will enhance the safety of all law enforcement officers participating in training, and added the lockers will secure their firearms and prevent any accidental discharge.

Chad Schwartz, executive director, Lehigh Gap Nature Center, noted that the facility continues to offer educational training to area school districts and their students.

Schwartz thanked the board members from Befesa for their continues support of the nature center and the educational impact they are able to offer to the youth of our immediate area.

Lynne Fedorcha, treasurer, Slatington Public Library, thanked the group for the donation, which will be used to repair exterior surfaces leaks that occurred during the construction and installation of a new elevator.

Fedorcha said the addition of the elevator will allow additional space and growth of the library.

On behalf of the board of directors, Koons extended their profound appreciation to Befesa for its continued financial support of the Community Fund.

“Without Befesa’s assistance, local organizations would not be able to provide the services and programs that benefit our communities,” Koons said. “Over the past 35 years, more than $3.4 million dollars has been distributed to area organizations from both Horsehead and Befesa Community Funds.”

The board also extended its appreciation to Pencor Services for the use of the PenTeleData Conference Room for the check presentation.

Koons reminded organizations that they may submit grant awards to P.O. Box 351, Palmerton, PA 18071.

The next review period will be in April.