Valley Grange #1360, located just outside Lewisberry, York County, made a special presentation at their regular meeting last night.  The meeting was a scheduled “visitation” for Grange members from York and Adams County with about 30 members present.

Immediately after opening the meeting, Valley Grange President Carl Meiss introduced Jody Brown from New Life For Girls and asked her to come forward for a special presentation.  At that time, President Meiss presented Jody with a check in the amount of $2000.00 for New Life For Girls.  Ms. Brown was speechless for a moment before she expressed extreme gratitude to the Grange and its members on behalf of New Life For Girls.  In addition to the monetary donation, Ms. Brown took four large boxes of various needed items back to New Life For Girls.  These items were donated by Grange members from York and Adams Counties and included everything from toiletries to cleaning products.

The money was raised by the Grange from a Boyds Bears© & Longaberger Basket© Bingo that the Grange held at their hall at 1230 Rosstown Road, Lewisberry on Saturday, April 17, 2004.  Approximately 80 people played 20 games of Bingo and participated in various drawings and door prize presentations.  All of the proceeds were earmarked for New Life For Girls.

New Life for Girls is a Christian residential treatment facility in Conewago Township, York County, for women (and their children) who suffer from drug, alcohol or abuse problems.  The program is divided into three phases: 1) Introduction phase (3-4 month); 2) Training phase (9 months); and 3) Re-entry phase (latter 3 months of training program).   They have locations throughout the country with their PA location as their main Training Center.  All of their funding comes from Church and private donations.

The Grange is a family fraternal organization dedicated to the betterment of rural America through community service, education, legislation and fellowship.  It is the oldest agricultural organization of its kind in the United States.  York and Adams County are home to five different Local Granges.  There are approximately 340 Locally Granges throughout the Commonwealth with a total membership of about 16,000.  For more information on the Grange, call 1-800-552-3865.