A determined and organized group of canvassers made quick work of the annual canvass of Chinook for the Community Chest annual door-to-door solicitation. The non-profit Community Chest was created in the late 1970's to "consolidate solicitation and receive and disburse funds through one organization." The annual fundraiser, which typically raises about $4500 each year, helps support Boy and Girl Scouts, the Food Pantry, AAU Wrestling, Youth Baseball/Softball, Children's Theatre, Swim Team and PAWS-the local animal shelter.

Kasie McIntosh and Keri Hanson had set up the materials the volunteers would need to solicit the city. There were 19 numbered packets laid out with an accompanying city map showing street boundaries for each numbered area. Hanson said, "It normally takes a group, or individual, about an hour to complete one of the 19 areas to be solicited. A lot of returning volunteers solicit the same area each year." Solicitors who finish their area often meet up with other groups to help them complete their area. It's all a very cooperative and low pressure operation. A major goal of the one-evening canvass is to "make contact with every household in the city."

McIntosh shared some numbers about the history of the Community Chest's annual solicitation. She explained, "Most of the funds are collected on this evening during the city-wide canvass. Sometimes people are not at home, so the canvassers leave a mail back envelope, a sizeable number of those come in later. Sometimes we get random checks, from former residents or tourists who want to make a contribution to a local cause."

McIntosh added, "In both 2014 and 2015 we distributed $4800 to the groups that receive funding through the Community Chest. The amount each group gets depends on the size of their program, among other factors." She said amounts to groups varied from $250-$600. Many of the groups that receive funding also help with the canvassing.

Some canvassers are not connected to any group, they just want to help. Celeste Elliot, a second-year canvasser, had a couple of her kids in tow. She said it's good experience for the kids to learn about giving back to their community. Other solicitors, like members from JUMP and the National Honor Society, help with the annual canvass as a part of their community service, neither of these youth-based groups get any support from the Community Chest program.

At the end of the canvass, when folks are turning in their paperwork back at the Girl Scout House, there's time for a little fellowship and sharing of experiences. Thoughtful volunteers brought in some tasty baked snacks. And with the evening temperature hovering above 80 degrees, a cool drink was welcome.

If you were not at home or your house was missed during the canvass, you can still make a contribution to the Community Chest. Send contributions to P.O Box 39, Chinook, 59523. It's a convenient way to help the various organizations that do programming in the city. And thanks to all the canvassers for your efficient and cheerful work.