The Palmerton Hungarian Magyar Club has donated $5,000 to area nonprofits.

President Mark Kelhart spoke about the club’s desire to keep programs alive in the community.

“We give money to organizations throughout the year,” he said.

“It was the board’s decision to give more. COVID has been tough on everyone. We shut our doors for weeks. When we reopened, we were unable to operate at full capacity. We implemented stricter cleaning practices and mask mandates. It was not easy.

“The board felt we should help those that could not operate or fundraise during that time.”

Board Secretary Rose Nenscel presented each representative from 10 nonprofit organizations a check for $500. Those there to accept spoke about where they will use the donation.

• Meals on Wheels representative Carol Papay and her grandson Brandon were in attendance. Carol stated they deliver a large number for meals. This money will subsidize meals delivered to seniors who have difficulty preparing their own meals.

• Palmerton Food Pantry uses monies to supplement certain food items they do not receive from donations.

• Palmerton Pool board member Vic Jahelka spoke about the pool celebrating 75 years this summer and the events that are planned. “Donations like this help keep the pool running.”

• Palmerton Community Band director Joe Plechavy stated this donation will cover the new music he is purchasing.

• Palmerton High School Band plan to buy equipment, music and band camp shirts.

• Towamensing Soccer club was unable to attend.

• Valor Clinic uses donations to purchase food and clothing for vets in need, holiday meals, fishing and hunting program on their property. Hungarian club Vice President Randy Bellis brought the Valor representatives to tears while speaking with them about the active role they play in veterans’ lives.

• Palmerton Towamensing Athletic Association’s Mike Netznik said donations keep the registrations steady at $25 per child. Jeremy Burger shared the club is adding new batting cages at Elmer Valo field.

• United Veterans Organization will use this donation for new flags at park memorial and entrance to Palmerton.

• Palmerton Concourse Club was thankful for the funds to continue holding a Movie in the park.

Hungarian Club Board member Raquel Serfass-Lutton expressed that the club has a tremendous amount of support from its members not all organizations were as fortunate. While speaking with the recipients she heard over and over how volunteers and money were stretched thin to nonexistent for these organizations.

Lisa Rex, president of the Club Auxiliary stated the Auxiliary makes a considerable donation to Palmerton Area organizations every month.

The Hungarian club is currently accepting new members.