After a plea for help in December, the Sadler Community Center received a Christmas miracle with the gift of two matching grants.
The center was on the brink of closing its doors when it received a grant in the amount of $1,500 from Texoma Health Foundation in Sherman. Then, First United Bank in Whitesboro, Gainesville and Sherman contributed as well. Because these were both matching funds grants, each dollar donated will be doubled, having twice the impact.
“With these two grants, we’ll be able to hold our own through 2025,” said Sadler Community Center board president Thomas McDonald.
For 20 years, the Sadler Community Center has been a vital hub for Grayson County and surrounding areas. It offers essential programs and services, from private rentals and First Responder Christmas to karate classes and health screenings, that improve the wellbeing of local residents.
However, a series of events led to an unfortunate possible ending for this facility. The center took a big hit during Covid. Then, it lost its 501(c)(3) status.
“We were on the verge of organizing a big event for Texas History Day,” McDonald said. “When we lost our 501(c)(3) status, everyone quit donating. It really devastated the Community Center.”
The center has since regained its nonprofit status (which it has maintained for more than a year), but the process hasn’t been easy. Things are finally looking up thanks to the generosity of businesses and individuals in the community participating in matching grant fundraising. These funds help the center to support:
• Quarterly blood drives with their partners at the Texoma Regional Blood Center in Sherman
• Health fairs and screenings with their partners at Texoma Medical Center in Denison
• Annual First Responders Christmas Celebration with S&S CISD and all area doctors, nurses, EMT’s, police, sheriffs, dispatchers and their families
• Continuing education classes (karate, yoga, first aid, gun safety, CCL, etc.)
• Private events (homecomings, weddings, anniversaries, club meetings and more)
“With your support, and partnerships of our local businesses, schools and faith-based organizations, the Sadler Community Center can continue to serve as a pillar of community health and a vital connection with its residents by fostering a stronger, healthier community,” McDonald said.
The Sadler Community Center will also host a community blood drive Monday, March 24 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the center in partnership with the Texoma Regional Blood Center. The center will also host a Health Fair soon and is reaching to community health providers who wish to be presenters at the event.
For more information about contributing to the Sadler Community Center or being part of any of the events mentioned above, please contact Thomas McDonald at 940-391-6153 or [email protected] and follow the center on Facebook @SadlerCommunity Center.