Rev. Jim Chaffin, chairman of the board of trustees of the Janice Holt Giles and Henry Giles Foundation, announces that over $11,000 has been raised so far in the foundation's fund drive.

Organizational and promotional costs have been minimal, he said, and the Foundation has a balance of some $9,500.

"Hardly a day goes by," Rev. Chaffin said, "without a donation being received in the mail." Recently, he said, a donation of $1,000 was made by a Campbellsville business.

"We seem to have as much or more interest from Taylor County as from Adair," Rev. Chaffin said. Spout Springs is approximately the same distance from Campbellsville as it is from Columbia and the ties are strong. Henry Giles worked for a time at the News-Journal in Campbellsville. While there, the couple lived in an apartment over the Topper Restaurant, and it was in Campbellsville that Janice Holt Giles wrote The Enduring Hills.

The Foundation's goal is to raise $70,000 this year. It will take $35,000 to pay off the mortgage and $25,000 for operating funds.

Rev. Chaffin said that interest in the restoration project is widespread. "At our last meeting, " he said, "Representative Ron Lewis was in attendance and he voiced support for our efforts." Rev. Chaffin said that he is hoping that state help will be forthcoming. "I understand that Gov. Patton is aware of the project and that he will help with funding."

The next meeting will be in October, he said.

He added that he believes the Giles home will be ready for its first formal function in mid-to-late 1997.

Donations may be made to any member of the board of trustees.

They include:

-Clara L. Metzmeier, 1610 Parkview DR, Camp-bellsville, KY 42718

-Jim Chaffin, 302 Burkesville St., Columbia, KY 42728

-Barbara Peterson, 170 Tucker Woods RD, Knifley, KY 42728

-Donna Vaughn, 3310 Holmes Bend RD, Columbia, KY 42728. Mrs. Vaughn can also be reached at Rags-to-Riches, downtown Columbia.

-Evelyn McCloud, 301 Holly ST, Columbia, KY 42728.