(KMZA)--The Nemaha County STEP Foundation Board of Directors has announced its second round of grants for 2017 totaling nearly $18,000.

The Nemaha Valley Community Hospital will receive $10,350 for the purchase of a Pulmonary Function Test System.  

The hospital says the equipment will give them the ability to provide the full PTF service to their patients and patients in the surrounding communities with easy access and much less travel.  Along with the purchase of the equipment, there will be training for the three respiratory therapists.

The Centralia Pride Association will receive $6,000 for improvements to the park in Centralia.  

Planned is the removal of the crumbling steps, replacement of the broken sidewalks and the addition of a wheelchair ramp on the south side of shelter house.  Plans are to also refurbish the park entrance sign, replace and relocate the old flag pole, update the basketball goals and include more lighting.  To complete the project, new trash cans would be installed and the grass re-seeded.  With a total project cost of more than $40,000, the Centralia Pride Association will be seeking other grants and donations as well.

Eastridge Nursing Facility in Centralia will receive $1,150 from the STEP Foundation.  $500 will be used to expand their music and memory program with the purchase of 15 iPods.  The remaining $650 will be used to purchase a larger television for the residents.

Grants are awarded twice a year through the STEP Foundation, with the next deadline being January 15th, 2018.     The grants are awarded for charitable purposes to enhance and improve the quality of life for the residents of Nemaha County.