The O'Brien County Community Foundation (OBCCF), an affiliate of the Siouxland Community Foundation, awarded grants totaling more than $81,000 to nonprofit organizations and units of local government in support of projects throughout the county.

Grants were presented June 17 at the Primghar Community Building.

One of the grant recipients was the Hartley Volunteer Fire Department, which was awarded a $5,000 grant for bunker gear.

Other groups receiving grants, grant amounts and projects include:

Archer Fire Department, $2,500, bunker gear; City of Calumet, $4,500, Planting Roots in Calumet; City of Primghar, $3,000, skating rink update; Cornerstone Senior Communities, $3,499, ADA door; Foster Grandparent & Senior Companion Programs, $500, volunteer service support; General N.B. Baker Library, $1,000, library sign; Kids Express Daycare, $4,000, radon mitigation/UVC light technology; O'Brien County Cemetery Preservation Association, $595, tool trailer readying; O'Brien County Conservation Board, $5,000, Mill Creek interpretive walking trail; O'Brien County Emergency Management, $3,000, Project Lifesaver.

Also, O'Brien County Livestock Show/O'Brien County Fair, $3,000, safety railing for new stage; Paullina Ambulance Service, $6,000, equipping new members; Paullina Fire Department, $6,500, SCBA; Primghar Ambulance Team, $10,000, ambulance replacement; Sanborn Fire & Rescue, $5,440, turnout gear dryer and rack; Senior Companion Program, $500, volunteer service support; Sheldon Recreational Trails, $5,000, Crossroads Trail; Sheldon Volunteer Fire Company, $5,000, forcible entry training door; Sutherland Fire & Ambulance Department, $7,500, fire protection monitor.

"The O'Brien County Community Foundation is proud to support the various projects and nonprofit organizations that benefit O'Brien County," said Charlene Elyea, OBCCF Advisory Chair, in a news release. "There are many wonderful projects happening that enhance the safety and quality of life for our residents."

The OBCCF was formally established in 2005 through affiliation with the Siouxland Community Foundation and is governed by a local advisory board composed of representatives from each community in the county: Archer, Calumet, Hartley, Paullina, Primghar, Sanborn, Sheldon and Sutherland; as well as one county-at-large member.

The mission of the O'Brien County Community Foundation is to enhance the quality of life in the communities served by encouraging permanent charitable giving to meet the needs of present and future generations. OBCCF welcomes gifts of any size to the endowment to help fund local projects.