Share the Light Fund Users in 2010

The Office of
Volunteer Services
links citizens with opportunities to share their time with city government. The office recruits, places, tracks and recognizes volunteers for their efforts.

2010 Share the Light Fund Uses

Since 2001, hundreds of Columbia residents have donated to Share the Light through their utility bill, providing funds to conduct and support programs that would otherwise not be possible. As of end of year 2010, more than $154,000 has been raised through the generosity of our citizens. With oversight from the City Council, over $128,000 has been appropriated. Thanks to the many people who have chosen to support this program.

Appropriations from Share the Light contribute to one or more of six areas of city programming that extend beyond basic services. The six areas are community arts programming, community beautification, youth recreation scholarships, public health, fire prevention and education and crime prevention. Over the past nine years funds from Share the Light have supported initiatives in all six areas.

In 2010, Share the Light funds were tapped for a number of projects including:

The Columbia Police Department purchased needed computer equipment and software for use by department volunteers.
Youth recreation scholarships enabled youth from low income households to participate in recreational activities sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department.
The Columbia Fire Department requested smoke alarms needed across a variety of facilities.
Public Art funds were requested to support the Traffic Box Art program, both in commissioning a new box and in maintaining existing ones.

In addition to these programs, funds were expended through the CASH/HELP program to assist low income Columbia residents with the cost of their water and/or electric bills. CASH (Citizens Assisting Seniors and Handicapped) are for persons age 60 and older and for the disabled. HELP (Heat Energy Light Program) is for qualifying families with minor aged children in the home. Your support of these programs provided these vital services to individuals and families throughout the year.

Many thanks again to the hundreds of area residents who have supported Share the Light and CASH/HELP and made a difference in our community.