As the holiday season approaches, organizations like the Guilford Community Fund (GCF) are continuing to prioritize the needs and struggles of the community. On Oct. 19, GCF announced that it had awarded $14,000 to local arts organizations to help support their missions. These recent grants join a long list of previously awarded funds over GCF's more than 70-year history.

According to the announcement, local groups Starship Dance Theater, Guilford Art Center, Legacy Theatre, Shoreline Arts Alliance, GreenStage Guilford Live Arts, and Neighborhood Music School were all funding recipients. The grants will allow each organization to continue its service to the community, increasing the availability of arts to residents along the shoreline.

In addition to the grants, GCF works with charities in Guilford and all along the shoreline area to support residents. Donations are primarily received through GCF's website and post office box.

GCF member Tom Vendetti noted that, while he enjoys being part of an organization that does so much to support the community, he wants to raise awareness for the group.

“I am absolutely blessed to be a part of the organization and the board,” Vendetti said. “I feel like we need to do more to spread the word about our organization. A lot of people want to donate and give back to the community, but don’t know where to do it.”

One of the most well-known organizations GCF supports is Guilford Interfaith Volunteers and its Meals on Wheels program and Charlie's Cloest. Both programs help support seniors in the community by providing them with nutritious meals and needed medical equipment, like walkers, canes, and wheelchairs.

Mark Jenusaitis, a long-time GCF board member and treasurer, was recently named the organization's president. He says he continues to support and be a part of the organization because of his desire to be a positive contributor to his town and the people in it.

“I always have liked being involved in the community in some way, even when my kids were younger,” Jenusaitis said. “I have just always wanted to give back to this town and this community.”

For more information or to donate or volunteer for GCF, visit www.guilfordcommunityfund.org. For information about joining the board of directors, email Jenusaitis at mjenusaitis@mygsb.bank or Vendetti at vendettitom@gmail.com.