A $2,600 grant from Hampden-Sydney College’s (H-SC) Learning by Giving course was recently awarded to Piedmont Senior Resources Area Agency on Aging (PSRAAA).

The grant award from the class, led by Dr. Saranna Thornton, was the largest monetary grant the students handed out this year.

PSRAAA has participated in the grant cycles for two years now. H-SC students compete with each other by working with specific nonprofits and advocating for them, resulting in the class voting for each grant application for the nonprofits.

The funds will be used to support PSRAAA’s new medical transportation program, helping fund the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible van.

H-SC students Ryan Beltrondo and Jordan Davis worked with PSRAAA in obtaining the grant through their course.

“It was a wonderful experience to work with the young men from H-SC,” said Justine Young, PSRAAA Executive Director. “It gives them a good sense of how philanthropy works in rural areas and the ins and outs of community nonprofits and services. And it benefits this agency by providing us with funds not available from other resources.”

Young said it was a pleasure to work with the two men. PSRAAA Transportation and Nutrition Director Jordan Miles echoed her sentiment.

“Working with these men certainly was a great experience for them and this agency,” Miles said. “Both Jordan and Ryan brought helping hands to our staff while learning the impact we have on the seven-county area.”

For more information on PSRAAA’s programming and services for seniors age 60 and over, call (434) 767-5588, visit www.psraaa.org, or stop by the agency’s new central office at 1413 S. Main St. in The Shoppes at College Park in Farmville.