The Horsehead Community Development Fund presented checks to 17 nonprofit organizations Monday at the Palmerton Public Library.

The fund was established in 1990 to help support charitable projects in and around Palmerton. The organizations assisted include libraries, fire protection, environmental and recreational, said William Smelas, an executive consultant for the fund."We always try to help the youth," he said. "That's what we try to focus on."Since its inception, the development fund as presented 850 grants totaling almost $3.2 million. Through various fundraisers, Horsehead was able to bring in more than $20,000 this year to give to the area organizations.This year's recipients and fund uses include: Shepherd House Food Pantry; Palmerton Community Band, concerts; Carbon County Environmental Center, conservation camp; Lehighton Pool Pals, fish light for the slide; Slatington Public Library, facility upgrades; Palmerton Area Recreation Committee, summer recreation program; Bowmanstown/Palmerton Baseball/Softball Association, uniforms; Palmerton Area Basketball Training, two-week camp; Lehigh Gap Nature Center, educational programs; Towamensing Soccer Club, soccer goals; Concourse Club Art Show; Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company, new light fixtures for a firetruck; Cub Pack 41, pine wood derby track; Palmerton Borough, Phase II of playground; Palmerton Memorial Park Association, nature trail restoration; Carbon County Fair, portable bleacher purchase; and Palmerton Meals on Wheels Program."This is very much appreciated," said Dan Kunkle of the Lehigh Gap Nature Center.Kunkle said the educational programs get the children out into nature with field trips to the river, and other areas to learn more about dragonflies, damsel flies and tiny animals.Robert Sell from the Towamensing Soccer Club said the organization had 179 children register to play soccer in the spring and the club continues to grow. The donation from the Horsehead Community Development Fund will go to buying more soccer goals."All of these activities are good for the youth," Smelas said.The Horsehead Community Development Fund is directed by John Kistardt and Derbie Lutz and funded by Horsehead Corp. Its officers include James Wimmer, chairman; Joseph Bezhtel, vice chairman; Rory Koons, secretary; and Sue Choy, treasurer.