Thanks to the work of the Service League of Cherokee County, 176 children in Cherokee County will wake up to presents on Christmas morning. The League spent $35,200 of funds raised by the Service League’s fundraisers to shop for children identified by school counselors and social workers.
In October, the League reached out to the Cherokee County School District to determine families who might need assistance with Christmas. School counselors worked with families to complete a Christmas wish list of needs and wants. The needs were basic everyday items from beds, blankets, and towels to underwear, pants, coats, and socks. The wants often included specific everyday items, like a specific type of shampoo and makeup, as well as toys, bikes, and tablets.
The League was able to provide the gifts thanks to its year-round fundraising efforts, including events such as Riverfest, Run for the Children, Annual Gala & Benefit, and Golfing Fore! the Children. Many of the children’s requests far exceeded the budget. The League is grateful for donations from Fowler and Donegal Insurance Agencies, the Blue Ridge Bar Association, and Cobb EMC Foundation to support requests for bigger ticket items like bikes and tablets. Safe Kids Cherokee provided helmets for all children who requested one with their bikes or scooters.
President-Elect, Marcey Stein, who organized the program, said, “The stories and requests we received for the children were truly heartbreaking. I heard a story of a brother and sister in middle school who lost their dad to cancer this year. Mom is doing her very best to provide things like Christmas, but those extras’ have been difficult to come by. It is an honor to know the League is able to help lighten the load for families going through such hard times.”
Service League President Amanda Speights, who is in her sixth year of service, said, “The Christmas children program is some of the most rewarding work of the Service League. All children should feel joy and love on Christmas morning. Service League members worked hard to ensure the children we helped this year felt that. The time and thoughtfulness League members devote to make certain the children get everything on their wants and needs lists is fulfilling to watch and be a part of.”
The Christmas program is just one part of the League’s work. The Service League of Cherokee County was founded in 1935 to perform charitable work to benefit the children in Cherokee County. The League is composed of 100 volunteers who commit to ten years of service. League members provide a minimum of fifty hours of service each year through planning and participation in league fundraisers or volunteering to support other child-focused non-profits in the community. In addition to the Christmas program, the League uses funds raised to provide for children’s basic needs, scholarships, medical care, utility assistance, and special projects.
Service League members Jodi Morgan, Rachel Sanford, Danielle Gantt & Megan Morgan pick up bikes
to deliver to schools for the Service League’s Christmas Children program.