1-30-2026 Update on the Elevator Project’s “$40,000 Campaign”

We did it!

In February of 2025 we were challenged to raise $40,000 for the Elevator, and with donations from Cub Scout Pack 42 ($100) and Don and Nola Schley ($5000), we succeeded. Colfax raised $43,328.39 in just 11 months, earning the full value of $40,000 in matching funds and ending the year with $83,328.39. Not a bad effort from this little village of about 1500 people!

Of course, we were helped extensively by neighbors from the surrounding townships and the many Colfax alumni who still remember the building fondly. Early on we did a letter-writing campaign, reaching out to those alumni that we had contact information about, and many responded. We’re grateful to all.

Inspiration for the Elevator Project started out of concern. We want the whole community included in the public life of Colfax and able to fully utilize the Library’s resources. The stairs in our building are a barrier for people with mobility issues. An elevator in the back of the building would solve that problem.

It would also address the Library’s space needs. Our active library hosts many children’s programs and has to limit the number of books we keep because of space constraints. An elevator would help us access the basement and second floor of the building and provide access to much needed meeting space.

We are about $75,000 away from having enough money to cover the Village’s required contribution in the event of a million dollar Community Development Block Grant or similar funding. The good news is that now the $230,000+ we have in savings is collecting 3.9% interest monthly, so is quietly growing.

We continue moving steadily toward our goal. Thank you for helping!