As the holiday season approaches once again this year, a number of local charities and organizations will be continuing their hard work to ensure that every child in Southern Illinois has a present to open on Christmas. With the state still recovering from one of the worst economic downturns in our nation’s history, charities and social service organizations in our region are facing an increased demand for their supplies and services. That is why now, more than ever, I am asking residents to come together to help out during this holiday season and give whatever they can to support this great cause. No matter the amount or size of the gift, your thoughtfulness could be what makes a child’s Christmas memorable this year.

This year, I have once again gotten involved with a local charity, Pat’s Kids, to guarantee every child has a present to open on Christmas Day. This non-profit group was started a decade ago by local radio personality Pat Benton and Glenn Poshard, who heads the Poshard Foundation to help abused children in our area by giving them a gift for Christmas. In its first year, Pat’s Kids raised $5,000 to ensure that 500 children in Southern Illinois received a gift; incredibly, the charity has grown to raise more than $100,000 to help kids throughout the area. This charity is unique because every penny of every donation benefits the children. They are completely volunteer-driven and their services extend all across our area. I am proud to work with a charity that has made such a difference in the lives of thousands of children in our area.

Every year, a portion of funds raised at my annual bocce ball tournament is donated to Pat’s Kids for this great cause. I want to thank everyone for their participation at the event as their donations have enabled Pat’s Kids to raise at least $10,000 each of the past three years. Again, I encourage all Southern Illinois residents to take time to donate.

Donations can be submitted to:

Pat’s Kids
1431 Country Aire Dr.
Carterville, IL 62918.

Checks can be made payable to "The Poshard Foundation." Upon your donation, residents will receive a confirmation receipt in the mail. For more information about Pat’s Kids, visit http://sigossip.com/index.php?page=pat-s-kids.