In December of 2008 the Board of Directors of HACA (Hoosick Area Church Association) approved the purchase of the former Falls Federal Credit Union with no inkling of the impending economic downturn. Now, less than four years later, thanks to the generosity and support of the community, we enter the final fund raising drive to retire the mortgage by the end of August with only $1,500 to go. Funds received for the Building Fund have been over and above those collected to support the core HACA programs, including the Food Pantry, VITA free income tax preparation, the Emergency Fund and Back 2 School Boost.
The HACA Center has been a hub of activity from day one, when volunteers were preparing taxes in one room as the food was being brought in and stocked in another. In three and one half years over 131,000 meals have been provided to 5,118 families through the Food Pantry. The VITA free income tax program has prepared over 500 tax returns. Families in crisis have been assisted by the Emergency Program and the Back 2 School Boost program prepares 50 to 75 backpacks each summer before school opens for distribution to students. The Center has been used for various organization meetings, summer music lessons, prayer meetings, Bible studies and youth meetings.
If you would like to be a part of this final phase of the campaign, send your donation to HACA, c/o Building Fund, P.O. Box #1, Hoosick Falls, NY 12090. Due to the “open burning” restrictions this year, there will be a “mortgage shredding” celebration following the retirement of the mortgage.
