Care Fund Surpassing Previous Number in Need

RISON - With weeks to go before the Christmas holiday approaches, organizers with the Cleveland County Cares Fund are already reporting the number of children and families in need are about to surpass the number helped last year.Melinda McKnight, who spearheads the fundraising effort for the Care Fund alongside Carol Dollar, said she was not entirely surprised to see that number grow.“Last year we had over 50 kids we helped, and prepared 75 food boxes,” she said. “And every day we’re learning of more people in need.”McKnight and Dollar are putting extra emphasis on food needs this year.Dollar recalled a child who always asks to take any leftover food from church programs home with them.“There are so many kids who need food at home, especially over the holidays,” McKnight added.All recipients are referred to the fund by local school staff, churches or local  agencies like the Cleveland County Department of Human Services.She said the fund does take direct requests from families.Whenever a child is referred to the Care Fund, McKnight said they check with that child’s household to see if there may other children in that home who need help as well. She said the children they help range from newborns to 18 years old.Money collected for the Care Fund is distributed among those in need. McKnight said that money is then used to buy an item on the child’s Christmas wish list as well as clothing. McKnight said it is not too late to donate to this year’s Christmas drive. She said whatever money they collect through Friday, Dec. 13, will be used for Christmas this year. Donations can be dropped off directly at the Cleveland County Herald office, 215 Main Street in downtown Rison.The Cleveland County Care Fund operates under the 501(c)3 non-profit tax status of the Pioneer Village at Rison. McKnight said all donations are tax-deductible and checks should be made to Pione...