'Cash for Kids' program nets more than $11,000

HURLEY — Midland Services recently presented the Hurley Education Foundation with its annual “Cash for Kids” patronage check of $11,076.

The program has been running for five years, and Midland customers can choose to credit any of their purchases, whether for gas, propane or deer corn, to the program, said Joyce Nelmark, foundation member.

“It’s a great way to help the kids,” Nelmark said. “All the money goes to the foundation, and we decide what to fund. We have to use all of it.”

This year, the foundation will put the money towards cross-country ski equipment for elementary students. In previous years, the foundation has funded technology equipment, band instruments and fitness equipment.

“We try to spread the money fairly between all grade levels,” Nelmark said.

The patronage program at Midland rewards individual patrons with a yearly check, Nelmark said. A lot of people use the program, and when they credit their purchases to the Cash for Kids program, they would have maybe received a check for $5 to $12 for the year.

According to Nelmark, it “doesn’t hurt” for patrons to use the “Cash for Kids” patronage number rather than their own.

“A lot of people together adding their purchases to the Cash for Kids total really adds up,” Nelmark said. “We really appreciate everyone’s support.”