FAQ

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[toggle title=”How are projects chosen?”]
We try to keep our projects in McLean County since that is where our funding comes from.  The projects for Cornbelt AMBUCS fall into one of three categories:

  • Wheelchair Ramps
  • AmTrykes
  • Scholarships

For wheelchair ramps, we are contacted by someone who needs a ramp.  We visit the site, draw up plans, getting building permits.  There are some restrictions for rental properties.  The Ramp Committee Chairman makes the final decision and schedules the ramp.

For AmTrykes, a therapist must recommend the person for a tricycle.  Funding comes from various sources, including chapter funding.

Scholarships recipients are chosen by our Scholarship committee  from applications that have been submitted.  The number is determined by the funds available.
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[toggle title=”Where does funding come from?”]
The funds required for AMBUCS projects come from various sources, including:

  1. Chapter Dues;
  2. Grants from the City of Bloomington and the Town of Normal for materials for ramps;
  3. Personal contibutions;
  4. State Farm Individual grants for employees and retirees.

We are always open to donations  – check out our donations page.
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[toggle title=”What skills/tools do I need to help with ramp building?”]
The skills required are very simple. We use Dewalt cordless drills, and all construction is done with screws and lag bolts. We have a DeWalt chop saw and various hand tools. One of our ramp committee chairmen lead the construction and supply the need expertise.

All you need are suitable work clothes and maybe a pair of work gloves. All tools are provided. Some volunteers bring some of their own tools but it is not required.
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[toggle title=”How do I become a member of the Cornbelt AMBUCS Chapter?”]
You must be sponsored by an exiting member of Cornbelt AMBUCS.  You can attend our Wednesday Lunch Meeting, and meet some of our chapter members.  Then if you want to join you fill out an application form, and we do the rest.
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[toggle title=”What are the dues for Cornbelt AMBUCS members?”]
The regular membership dues are $130 per calendar year.  Lower dues apply for certain situations:

  •     $100 – over 65 years of age
  •     $  65 – additional family member
  •     $  85 – lifetime member
  •     $  10 – additional Big Hat dues

We pay dues to National AMBUCS, Inc per chapter member. The dues are used to fund ramps, AmTrykes, scholarships, and operating expenses.
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[toggle title=”What is the Big Hat Club?”]
The purpose of the Big Hat organization:  to have fun, recruit new members, fellowship, encourage all AMBUCS members to become Big Hatters, promote National AMBUCS and its programs and finally … have more fun.

When an AMBUCS member recruits three new members in a twelve month period, they become eligible to join the Big Hat Club.  The reward is the Big Hat.  Members attach stars (for each member recruited), conference pins, etc., to their hat.
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