The Citizens for Improvement of Chandler (CIC) has received a grant of more than $2,700 from the Central Community Foundation.

The grant will be used to purchase a new commercial gas stove for the Douglas Gym, enhancing the kitchen facilities in one of Chandler’s most active and historic community spaces.

Founded in 1971 by three dedicated community members, CIC has spent more than five decades supporting residents and preserving local history. In the late 1980s, the organization acquired the Douglas Gym from the school district. The building, formerly a part of the Douglas School, now stands as a place of gathering and connection.

The Dougals Gym is now a central hub for the community, hosting birthday parties, funerals, church luncheons, youth group meetings and various local events. During the summer months, the doors are also open to children to play basketball. The space is available to rent, and its kitchen plays an important role in every event that takes place.

CIC president, David Burgess, said the new stove will make an immediate and meaningful impact on the people and families who utilize the facility.

“For those that rent the building and our organization, having that stove is major,” Burgess said. “Every family that comes can use that kitchen and can cook a meal; many families rely on our kitchen for their event.”

In maintaining the Douglas Gym, CIC continues to enrich Chandler through a variety of community activities and an annual scholarship program that awards a $500 scholarship to one local boy and one local girl each year.

Learn more about CIC by following their Facebook page at Citizens For The Improvement of Chandler.

The Central Community Foundation provides grants through the Operation Round Up program at Central Rural Electric Cooperative. Members of CREC can round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar to help organizations and residents in need throughout Central’s seven-county service area.