With a new year comes the kickoff to a new donation drive with a Jefferson-based organization.

Jefferson Matters: A Main Street and Chamber Community is hosting its 2022 Rediscover Jefferson Donation Drive. Organization Team Co-Chair Susan Thiel talks about this year’s goal to raise funds for different projects and events.

“We’ve set a goal of $100,000 in contributions. These funds will not only perpetuate these projects, but will also support our own common goal of creating experiences that showcase Jefferson as a culturally vibrant place to shop, eat, play and stay. All of the money that is going out is going actually to these events. The salaries for the staff is not coming from these contributions.”        

Thiel notes last year, funding went to nine mini-grants for businesses to improve their facades or signage, matching funds for grants to building renovations and a social media internship program with high school students, newcomer bags with free items from businesses for new residents, as well as events, including Bike Ride Across Greene County, Bell Tower Festival, Cruisin’ to the Square, and the Winter Festival.

Thiel points out not only are they accepting financial donations, but also new volunteers who want to help contribute.

“We have dozens and dozens of volunteers that work tirelessly to make that Jefferson, again is a community of outstanding performance and a place where people want to be.”  

Thiel adds all financial donations are tax deductible and can be sent to the Welcome Center in Jefferson at 201 East Lincoln Way.