RISON - As the Cleveland County Cares team gets ready to deliver Christmas presents to families in need across the county, organizer Melinda McKnight is reflecting on a record year.
According to McKnight, their program has helped 99 kids so far this holiday season, and they are still accepting names.
Cleveland County Cares only assists individuals referred by churches, schools, or the DHS office to ensure aid reaches those most in need.
One story particularly touched McKnight this year as a teacher asked a child what they wanted for Christmas.
She said the child told their teacher they did not want anything, because their mother could not afford anything. When asked about Santa Claus, the child said Santa would not be visiting this year due to having the flu.
“There will be one very surprised kid on Christmas,” said McKnight.
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, with many youth participating in this year’s shopping trips that took place over the past weekend.
She said she told those shopping to put a lot of thought into the presents they were selecting.
“These presents are important because it may be the only thing they get all year,” she said.
McKnight also shined a light on the Walmart in Camden for treating the shoppers with a special check out location, as well as treats. She said at just the one store in Camden, $9,812 was spent. Additional amounts were spent at stores in Little Rock and other places to secure all of the items needed to provide Christmas.
She said every child receives shoes, underwear, clothing and some of the items they request, like toys or electronics.
McKnight also thanked the businesses and individuals who donated prizes to the Christmas Bingo game held earlier this month. The leftover prizes were repurposed into gifts for families this year.
Donations
As last minutes additions will be added in the days before Christmas next week, 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.
The fund also provides essential items to families in need throughout the year during disasters and more.