Oakland Public Library Receives Donation

Monsanto’s Fund program, America’s Farmers Grow Communities, supports local farming communities by offering farmers the ability to enter their names to win a $2,500 donation to be designated to a nonprofit organization of their choice. “The grower has to qualify by signing up,” stated Travis Thomsen of Monsanto.

Oakland’s Gordon Nelson entered and won the $2,500 donation. He was selected from entries in 1,324 counties in 40 states. Nelson chose the Oakland Public Library to receive the money. “I thought it was a good place to go. They can add on more book shelves,” Nelson said.

Property has been purchased to the north of the library where a new addition will be built, providing not only space, but the opportunity to expand in other areas as well. “News of this gift brightened my day! Thank you to Gordon Nelson and Rachel Wise for their ongoing support of the Oakland Public Library and the generosity of Monsanto for offering ways for their customers to give back to their community!! What a blessing!!” stated Oakland Library Director Rosa Schmidt.

There will be another local community to benefit from Monsanto’s program soon. “Our next one will be in Pender,” stated Russ Kavan of Monsanto.

Farmers not only feed the world, but because of Monsanto, can give even more to their communities.

Members of the Oakland Library Board and Foundation were on hand to receive the donation to the Oakland Public Library Monsanto chose Gordon Olson to designate to an organization of his choosing. From left are: Rosa Schmidt (Oakland Public Library director:, Coleen Denton, Cathy Fischer, Joanne Peterson, Linda Jones, Vivian Forks, Audrey Unwin, Travis Thomsen, Gordon Nelson, Russ Kavan, Cathi McMurtry (partially hidden) Jim Mashek and Jessica Keogh. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.