LOR continues to make a difference in Libby
One of the LOR Foundation's many projects in Libby was funding a Brava Universal Swing at Fireman's Park. It is specifically designed for children with disabilities. The city recently installed new playground equipment at the park. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
In just a year’s time, the LOR Foundation has made a remarkable difference in the Libby community.
As they close in on $500,000 in grants to dozens of community projects, LOR’s Tabitha Viergutz took some time to briefly reflect on what’s happened in the last 12 months.
“I lived here for several years and I’m still learning about our community because of this work,” Viergutz said. “We’re so rich in our history, it’s so much fun.”
Viergutz’s work as a LOR’s Libby Community Officer includes putting the word out that grants are available for various community projects and sponsorships, be they big or small. When she gets ideas for possible grants, she writes them up and submits them to Foundation for final approval.
The grants and sponsorships have supported 37 “Solutions” totaling $385,416. Another $29,848 has supported 24 events and teams.
Some of the smallest support included supplying bottled water at the city’s Arbor Day event earlier this spring.
Some of the largest included $28,000 to David Thompson Search and Rescue for new radios and five repeaters that will allow volunteers to communicate more efficiently across longer distances.
A $27,500 grant to the Libby Volunteer Fire Department provided for a second set of gear. Local firefighters have to have their gear specially cleaned after firefighting operations because of the potential for asbestos contamination, so a backup set is critical when there are a cluster of calls firefighters have to respond to.
Grants much smaller have had major impacts, too, according to Viergutz.
One for $1,276 went to the Senior Citizens of Lincoln County.
“Libby’s Meals on Wheels program was in a bind when its computer failed,” she said. “Because of HIPPA rules, the program they use to keep track of everyone has to be on its own individual computer,” Viergutz said.
The Meals on Wheels program, operated in Libby by the Senior Citizens of Lincoln County, serves 176 clients.
“A member of the Libby Senior Center reached out to us and we were able to fund a grant to buy a new computer, a keyboard, mouse and monitor, as well as essential software,” Viergutz said.
The agency also received a $9,555 grant for its medical supply loan closet.
The loan closet provides more than 300 citizens with wheelchairs, walkers, lifts, ramps, shower benches and more that they need to contend with debilitating injury and illness, all at no cost.
The closet is generously stocked by donors and it grew to the point where the space at the Senior Center was no longer adequate. The grant money was used to buy a shed to store the equipment.
Viergutz said she doesn’t necessarily have any favorite projects, but being the mom of two boys gives her an affinity for some of the projects which have benefitted youth.
“The 2023 Libby Senior Class wanted to give back to their school and they decided restoring the concession stand at Logger Stadium would have a tremendous impact,” Viergutz said.
A $28,075 grant helped pay for a new roof on the concession stand, new windows and additional modifications to make the area accessible.
The Kiwanis Foundation in Libby received a $10,000 grant to restock its supply of winter clothing for area children in the Koats for Kids program.
“We definitely don’t have an age bracket!” Viergutz said.
She’s also been impressed with how other community members have stepped up to provide assistance after hearing of what was happening. And Viergutz is very thankful to the group of volunteers she calls, “Champions.”
“We have a huge volunteer force that goes out of their way to help and that’s why we call them “Champions,” she said.
Viergutz said she and LOR will be at many upcoming summer events, including the Riverfront Blues Festival and the Big Sky Bash music concert.
“There’ll be ample opportunity for folks to meet us and I’m looking forward to it and excited to see what the next few years bring us,” Viergutz said.
Viergutz has an office at the Libby campus of the Flathead Valley Community College where she can be reached or contact her at 406-250-5218 or tabitha@lorfoundation.org.
Also, see the foundation website at lorfoundation.org.