The Rugby Eagles Club has given thousands of dollars over the years to a number of local organizations and community projects, and earlier this month it awarded two of its largest grant donations to date.

During the Dakota State Eagles Convention held in Rugby, the organization donated $4,000 each to the Rugby Police Department and Heart of America Medical Center for its Alzheimer’s patient wing – The Village.

Holly Niemi, immediate past Dakota State Eagles Auxiliary President, was instrumental in applying for the funds.

The presentations took place at the recently-held Dakota State Eagles Convention hosted by the local Eagles club. It was one of the weekend highlights for Niemi – to see the large grants go to two worthwhile entities.

The donation to the police department will be used jointly with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department to provide education programs concerning child abuse/neglect. “We are very appreciative of the Eagles donation,’ said Luis Coca, police chief. “The club has done a lot for this community and I have nothing but good things to say about this organization.”

The funds will tie in with the Counter-Act program which local law enforcement have launched. It provides education programs to schools.

The funds for the HAMC’s Alzheimer’s patient wing, The Village, will go toward the purchase of new lift recliners for residents as well as to mount a television in the day room, according to Kristen Tryba, director of nursing.