RISON - In one week, local charity organization Cleveland County Cares has seen an exponential growth in the number of children in need this Christmas season.
“We’ve nearly doubled since last week,” said former DHS administrator Melinda McKnight who spearheads the charity’s efforts. “We currently have 98 kids we will be assisting this year and we’re still accepting names.”
With an increase in children, there is an increase in the need for funding to provide Christmas.
Cleveland County Cares only assists individuals referred by churches, schools, or the DHS office to ensure aid reaches those most in need.
Donations to the fund provide clothing, food, help with utilities, and Christmas gifts, sometimes fulfilling specific wants. The non-profit organization, which operates under the Pioneer Village at Rison’s 501(c)3 status.
McKnight praised the increase in youth helping fund raise for the organization this year, plus the support of the Christmas Bingo game held Dec. 4 that brought in over $700.
Last week she reported efforts of Jaycie Rauls and Josie Miller and donations and blessing bags. The Rison Elementary Gifted and Talented students also collected blankets as part of a “Spread The Warmth” Blanket Drive and donated those to Cleveland County Cares.
Christmas Shopping
McKnight would like to invite anyone who would be interested in helping shop for the families to meet at Rison Baptist Church, this 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.
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.