RISON - With Christmas only weeks away, local charity organization Cleveland County Cares is gearing up for another record year of helping families and children in need.
"We're seeing an overabundance of children this year," said former DHS administrator Melinda McKnight who spearheads the charity's efforts. "We're seeing a lot of grandparents raising grandkids who need assistance providing Christmas." McKnight said the organization is currently looking at assisting 53 children and three additional children in foster care.
"We're still accepting kids, and will through Christmas eve," she said.
Cleveland County Cares only assists individuals referred by churches, schools, or the DHS office to ensure aid reaches those most in need. Thanks to local efforts for fundraising, and a Christmas Bingo Game this Thursday, money is coming in to help meet needs.
Donations to the fund provide clothing, food, help with utilities, and Christmas gifts, sometimes fulfilling specific wants. The nonprofit organization, which operates under the Pioneer Village at Rison's 501(c)3 status.
Youth Getting Involved
McKnight would like to thank Jayci Rauls, a 12-year old student from Woodlawn High School, who recently donated her $50 prize for winning the spelling bee to Cleveland County Cares.
"Jayci started with that $50, and took pledges from the community to match those donations," McKnight said. "That quickly grew to over $2,000 in donations." McKnight said Rauls is the first child to actively raise funds for the organization and she could not be more proud of the initiative she started.
"That money will help provide Christmas for many kids," she said.
McKnight also thanked Josie Miller, Princess of America Miss Ozark, for her Blessing Bag Project.
Miller is collecting socks, prepackaged snacks, bottled water, toothbrushes, baby wipes and travel size toiletries.
The Blessing Bags will be distributed through Cleveland County Cares to those in need.
To donate items, contact Joye Miller at (870) 550-5591 to make arrangements to drop off.
Christmas Shopping
McKnight would like to invite anyone who would be interested in helping shop for the families to meet at Rison Baptist Church, Sunday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m.
McKnight said trusted volunteers will take kids shopping at Walmart in Camden or to stores in Little Rock to purchase items on kids wish lists.
She said all names are kept confidential so that those shopping have no idea who will receive the gifts.
Christmas Bingo
Cleveland County Cares will host Christmas Bingo this Thursday, Dec. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. during the Christmas in the Village event at the Pioneer Village.
“We’re looking forward to another fun year of bingo,” said McKnight.
The cost is $1 per card, per game. All proceeds go to the care fond.
Prizes for winners include pies and cakes from local bakers including Kathy Hailey, gift items donated from Rison Pharmacy and My Berry Patch, and a variety of crafted items made by local individuals. McKnight said there are prizes for all ages, women and men.
Donations
Donations are still being accepted. Make checks payable to Pioneer Village with 'Care Fund' written in the memo line.
Mail donations to: Malinda McKnight 100050 Hwy. 35 North Rison, AR 71665 or drop off at the Cleveland County Herald office, 215 Main Street, Rison, AR 71665.
Contact Malinda McKnight at (870) 692-2332 for more information.