The first distribution from the Mount Vernon Community Betterment funds was disbursed just ahead of the start of the school year, and will benefit the Kids in Need program for Mount Vernon Community School District.

Mount Vernon school nurse Jenna Wear explained the fund helps to provide resources to students in need in the school district, whether that be food or snacks, or personal hygiene items or other needs for students.

Mayor Tom Wieseler explained the parameters for the distribution for the community betterment funds was to contribute to a non-profit group in the community where these dollars would make a difference this year.

The community betterment funds were established by Les and Katrina Garner last year, and a committee comprised of Wieseler, Peter Rian, Amanda Rhomberg, Colette Nakielski, and Taryn Kuntz meets annually to discuss contributions to the community.

There is a separate endowed fund for the community and one to be distributed from now. Les Garner said his hope is — with Mount Vernon establishing a fund of its own — will encourage other communities in Linn County to establish their own and help their communities in the future.

“Our roots are here in this community, and we were glad to develop the seed money for these charitable funds,” Les said.

Wieseler said the community is very fortunate to have the generosity of people like the Garners establish these funds.

“When people ask why I like being mayor, it’s events like this and the groundbreaking Wednesday where I can point out it’s good to be this community,” Wieseler said.

Mount Vernon superintendent Matt Leeman also thanked the community for this donation.

“People don’t know how impressive the generosity of this community really is,” Leeman said.