BY SHAYNA ROUSON
This year marks 64 years of support for the Lonely Children’s Fund Drive. This fund and effort, which began in 1960, allows the children in foster care in Iredell County to have Christmas gifts, and other needs that occur throughout the year such as the ability to participate in age-appropriate social, scholastic and enrichment activities such as dance, karate, art classes, school field trips, and summer camps.
During this time of year, many of us take time to reflect on our experiences, our impact, areas that have shaped our own lives as well as our own personal growth and achievements. Many of us also reflect on how we can make a substantial impact in the upcoming New Year.
This year, my hope is that the impact that the Iredell County community has demonstrated since 1960 continues to grow by leaps and bounds. My hope is that we all continue to pour into our foster children, as they represent the community. These children are unable to live safely with their biological families due to abuse, neglect, or other circumstances.
Being in foster care provides them with stability, as well as a supportive home environment where they can grow and develop healthily. The Lonely Children’s Fund provides these youth with the same opportunities as other youth; it also provides social workers with the peace of mind of knowing that our youth can reach any goals they set for themselves. It also safeguards that, regardless of their past experiences, they feel safe and supported.
Through the generous contributions from the Iredell Community last year, we raised $30,950.50.
As of December 27, 2024, there were 126 children in foster care placed in foster homes, group homes, and in relative placements.
We are asking once again for our community to open their hearts to these children during this holiday season. Donations can be made to the Lonely Children’s Fund at 549 Eastside Drive, Statesville, NC 28625. The Department is aware that times are hard and therefore our goal this year again is $30,000. We truly appreciate all donations!
Shayna Rouson is Program Administrator II for the Iredell County Department of Social Services.
Recent Contributions
♦ Iredell County Department of Tax Administration: $1,931
♦ Bill and Wanda Furches, in honor of our grandchildren, Lauren, Knox, Braxton, Kinsley, Harper and Grayson: $150
♦ In memory of Peter T. Meletis and his service to his country and Iredell County: $100
♦ John and Patricia Green: $150
♦ Sandra and Lee Overcash, in memory of Halbert and Hilda Rimmer: $100
♦ Sue Hedrick: $100
♦ GC Miller LLC: $125
♦ Joan McLelland, in memory of Henry McLelland: $50
♦ Christopher Poole: $100
♦ Connie Tate: $200
♦ Anonymous: $200
♦ Perry and Perma Brown: $25
♦ H. Nelson McCaskill, in honor of Heather Hilton $25
♦ Linda Long: $200
TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS: $23,931.63