Op Eds

     Earlier this year, Oswego resident Jessica Drake decided to team up with the Ugandan Water Project to ensure everyone in the world the instant access to clean water. Just last week, July 10, Drake raised enough money and put in $100 of her own money to send one tank out to Kalonga, Uganda.

     Kalonga is a community with more than 10,000 people and their only source of water right now is shared with animals. The tank can supply clean water to 400 people and will last up to 30 years, according to Drake.
     "The wide range of support throughout the community has been really touching. I am so grateful to each and every person who helped spread the word and who donated to make this a reality," Jessica Drake of the Ugandan Water Project said.

     Drake received money from the church, family, friends and people around Oswego who had heard about what she was doing and wanted to help.

     "Our largest donor was a man who was visiting my church, New Covenant Community Church, the week I spoke about the project and he sent me a check for 1/3 the cost of the tank; $1,167. Pathfinder Bank held a denim day for their employees and donated the funds to our project; they donated $198," Drake said.

     "Oswego has come together as a community to help supply the rest of the world with one necessity that should never be taken away from us – clean water!" she added.