In today's society, the ability to read and write is of the utmost importance.

For close to 25 percent of adults in Cherokee County, dreams of a job inside the cozy confines of an office is a fantasy due to their lack of proficiency in these key areas.

However, Rev. Dewitt Clyde and the Cherokee County Literacy Association do not believe it has to stay that way.

For the past 24 years, the organization has worked to give those struggling in these areas the tools and confidence needed to bring them closer to their goals.

"Our goal is to boost these numbers, giving these people better chances at leading more productive lives," Clyde said. "We know in order to do that it's almost essential for all to read and write."

The association offers tutoring and free books as well as training by computer. The majority of the group's funding comes by way of grants provided by the state and the United Way and gifts from local donors.

A longtime suppoter of the organization is Daddy Joe's Beach House & BBQ Grill, which will host a buffet Oct. 10, with regular items like barbecue, calabash chicken, coleslaw and hush puppies on the menu.

It is the third consecutive year the popular local restaurant has lent its helping hand in an effort to help fellow Cherokeeans get a better lease on life.

"It's a good fundraiser. We've definitely found a friend in Daddy Joe's," Clyde said. "It not only gives people an extra chance to enjoy the delicious food at the restaurant, but also to help out a good cause."

According to Clyde, 90 percent of people who go through the organization's tutoring program which teaches students to read at least at a fourth-grade level complete the course and find jobs shortly afterward.

After leaving the association's tutoring program, many of these students go on to finish their educations.

While a bite has been taken out of illiteracy locally, Clyde believes there is a long way to go, with part of that road dependent on support from the community.

"Every little bit helps," Clyde said.

Tickets for the buffet lunch are $10 for adults and $5 for children younger than age 8. For more information on the event or how to get involved in the literacy association, call (864) 487-2707.