Progress is being made in Cropsey but more help is needed.
The Cropsey Area Community Fund has been formed to improve the quality of life in Cropsey and Belle Prairie Township. The nonprofit is accepting donations to build upon initial donations given by locals wanting to give back to the community.
“The thought has been there a long time,” said CACF Chairman Jeff Abbey.
David Abbey, who has been a Florida attorney since the 1970s, never forgot his Cropsey roots and spends time there. After legal work, conversations with others and research, he helped get this going.
In the process, the group received a non-profit status through work with the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation in Bloomington and Prairie Lands Foundation in Fairbury.
“It took some time to get set up and evolve,” notes Jeff Abbey.
Abandoned houses in town are being removed and a new park is under development by the committee across from the Cropsey Methodist Church. Plans call for playground equipment, a covered shelter, partially fenced half-court basketball hoop, memorial pavers and landscaping.
“I think if we can do something to upgrade the area, we need to be moving forward,” said committee member Ray Popejoy.
In addition to Abbey, CACF committee members include Jerry Beyer, Ray Popejoy, Don Brucker, Ted Steidinger, Cindy Helmers and Corinne Zbinden.
Donations can be sent to the Cropsey Area Community Fund c/o Cindy Helmers, #3 Oak Grove Road, Fairbury, IL 61739. Anyone with questions or wishing to pass along suggestions should e-mail jeff.abbey@plantpioneer.com.
“The most valuable gift so far to this community and going forward is actually the organization itself because it’s the gift that keeps on giving,” said Abbey.
