Wanting to make Christmas a little brighter for disadvantaged children in Cherokee County, officials from the Gaffney Masonic Lodge 186 dropped by The Gaffney Ledger to make a $580 donation to “Christmas Is For Kids.” The money represented the proceeds from a fundraising dinner held at the Shrine Club. Pictured here (left to right) are the lodge's senior warden Todd Humphries, Gaffney Ledger Publisher Cody Sossamon and Mike Peeler, the lodge's worshipful master. The holiday season isn’t always merry for children, especially in difficult economic times.

The Gaffney Ledger started the “Christmas Is For Kids” fundraiser in 1989 to help underprivileged children in Cherokee County. Donations from county residents totaling $21,000 allowed 180 local children to enjoy a better Christmas in 2008.

The Gaffney Ledger is now accepting donations for this year’s fundraiser.

For every $100 donated, a child will have the opportunity to take part in a shopping spree on Saturday, Dec. 19, at Walmart to select the toys and clothes they want for Christmas.

Children treated to the shopping spree are selected by the Department of Social Services, the Boys and Girls Club, the Cherokee County Disabilities and Special Needs Board, and The Ledger staff.

Members from Sub Deb of Gaffney have helped children make their Christmas gift selections for the past several years.

“Christmas Is For Kids” has become a highlight of the year for Sub Deb, a community service organization for high school girls. This is the third year club president Blythe Lowry has helped children select gifts from their wish lists for Christmas.

“It’s important to take time out to do something for somebody else,” Lowry said. “This is my favorite part of being in Sub Deb. All the girls in our club really enjoy doing it.”

County residents contributed more than $21,000 last year to “Christmas Is For Kids” so underprivileged children would not go without Christmas presents. The fundraiser has helped 1,800 children in Cherokee County have a merrier holiday season over the past two decades.

Donations in any amount can be made to “Christmas Is For Kids.” All donations are tax-deductible.

Contributions to the fundraiser can be brought by The Gaffney Ledger at 1604 W. Floyd Baker Blvd.; or mailed to The Gaffney Ledger, P.O. Box 670, Gaffney, S.C. 29342.

CHRISTMAS IS FOR KIDS

Here is the list of donors to Christmas Is For Kids, sponsored by this newspaper. Bring contributions to The Gaffney Ledger at 1604 W. Floyd Baker Blvd. in Gaffney, or mail them to:

Christmas Is For Kids

c/o The Gaffney Ledger

P.O. Box 670

Gaffney, S.C. 29342

 Barbara M. Grinter: $100

 Larry & Ann Sossamon: $300

 Bill & Becky Wheeler: $200

 Ron & Barbara Cope: $100

 Danny & Joyce Parris: $100

 Gaffney Business & Professional Womens Club: $100

 Gaffney Lodge No. 186 AFM: $580

 Blacksburg VFW Post 4941: $100

 Ashley & Nat Benson: $500

TOTAL: $2,080