Birthdays are always fun, but the day likely would not be held as close to the heart if not for the array of presents given by family, friends and loved ones.

A labor of love, the Cherokee Children’s Home has been a light in the darkness for many abused, abandoned and neglected children. For the past 20 years, the private, nonprofit organization has served as an emergency shelter for youths up to 17 years of age.

A blessing to those less fortunate, the local children’s home has received much support from a number of sources — including area restaurants, churches, civic organizations and individuals.

Donors through the years were part of a crowd invited to celebrate the children home’s two decades in Cherokee County. Among those this year were officials with the Timken Foundation, carrying a gift that is likely to keep giving for years to come.

The group is donating $75,000 in grants to the Cherokee Children’s Home to assist in the construction of a new bedroom wing that will serve children who have suffered sexual abuse or exhibit behavior not allowing them to be placed in close contact with their peers.

“This gift from the Timken Foundation could not have come at a better time,” said Cherokee Children’s Home Director of Development Judy Nix. “Serving these children has resulted in the past in us not being able to operate at full capacity. Upon completion of the wing we will be able to provide these children the privacy they need while providing a safe refuge to the other children in the home.”

The children’s home has begun a campaign to match the $75,000 grant.

“We appreciate this support and confidence from the Timken Foundation and we are very grateful to them and to Mark Propst, plant manager of the Timken Gaffney Bearing Plant,” said Karen Lydon, chairperson of the Cherokee Children’s Home Board of Directors.