Grant from Mack Molding will allow Arlington Community House to replace siding

ARLINGTON -- The Arlington Community House will be able to complete the installation of siding on the annex to the historic building, thanks to a generous grant from Mack Molding.

The Arlington Community Club, the organization dedicated to preserving the structure, had been trying to raise money since the siding had to be torn down during asbestos removal in 2013. The board had been reaching out to organizations to try and raise the necessary funds, but were shocked when Mack Molding, which is based in Arlington, responded with a check for the entire needed amount: $6,500.

"We wrote them a letter, and they sent back a check for the full amount," said board member Lynn Williams, "It was such a wonderful thing to do, people should know about it. They do such wonderful wonderful work in the community."

In November of last year, Mack donated $10,000 to Fisher Elementary School to help them get a new playground, and in 2007 donated $50,000 to the school for renovations to its multi-purpose room, just two examples of the company's charitable spirit.

According to the contractor the Club is using, the new siding will begin going up next week, and it is not expected to be a long process. Burdett Commons, the organization that most commonly uses the annex, has continued to utilize the space since the asbestos was removed.

According to the Arlington Community's Club's most recently available 990, $6,500 makes up a considerable portion of what the group typically receives in a year for donations. In 2012, for example, the nonprofit reported receiving $9,225 in the form of contributions, donations, and grants, plus $7,577 from fundraising events (after the cost of said events was subtracted).

The next project for the house will be the replacement of windows on the front portion of the building, but Williams says that will likely wait until next year.

"I was flabbergasted, frankly," said Williams, "that they went for the whole amount!"

Derek Carson can be reached for comment at dcarson@benningtonbanner.com. Follow him on Twitter @DerekCarsonBB

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Grant from Mack Molding will allow Arlington Community House to replace siding