Grange looking for help

The Whitepine Grange is in need of a new roof before the winter weather sets in.

In hopes of raising $5,000, A GoFundMe campaign has been set up by grange volunteer Jan Manning. "That's the minimum bid we have received, and we want to get it done before the snow flies," Manning said. "It's the minimum needed for a good local roofer to take on the project."

The GoFundMe request was set up in late September and has brought in a total of $550 so far. Manning says there will also be other fundraisers in the future to help raise the necessary funds to replace the dilapidated roof. "It's an old metal roof, the wind has been ripping it up and it's bound to start leaking at any time," Manning stated. While the building is open and being utilized, Manning said the leaking could jeopardize the entire building.

The Whitepine grange has been a much-needed meeting place in the area, but the non-profit who takes care of the building and activities have future plans that will offer a lot more to the public. "We want to make this more readily available to the public," Manning expressed. "For classes, meetings, seminars and receptions."

Many important improvements have been made on the building in the past several months, thanks to local volunteers. A fresh coat of paint, newly installed lights, and a new porch has been built. All big steps that are vital in order to get the building running as a neighborhood community center, that will offer a variety of activities for everyone Manning says.

"We are a non-profit, so there's no way of generating any revenue," Manning said. "At $25 a day, we are already very low-cost friendly." Even though the non-profit still has a large amount to raise in order to replace the roof, Manning is hopeful. "We do have a long way to go, but people in this area are very generous."

If you would like to be a part of this community project, please go to: GoFundMe/Whitepine Grange Roof Fund, to donate. No amount is too small. Check out the Whitepine Grange 102 Facebook page for updates.