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Hundreds benefit from Cairo Christmas for Kids

By Holly Brantley

CAIRO, IL (KFVS) - No child should be left out at Christmas. That statement sums up the philosophy of the Cairo Christmas for Kids organization. It's made up of volunteers from area groups to make sure kids in the Cairo school system who are in need have a nice holiday.

"I was struggling this Christmas with the loss of a job and unemployment," said Lekeshia Box. Box is a mother of two. "I'm thankful for it."

"I know this made a big difference for a lot of people living check to check," said Wytonia Orr. Orr donated to and benefited from the program. "It's kind of funny that it worked out that way," said Orr.

"You stay away from the parts of town that you want to turn away from, " said Organization President, Patti Clark. "But the need is there and those kids need our help. As long as we can we're going to be here for them."

Christmas for Kids started in 1989 when different businesses and civic groups realized they could provide more for needy families if they pulled their resources and worked together.

"The population of Cairo is declining," said Clark. "Yet the need is increasing."

About 250 children benefit. The Cairo Fire Station served as the meeting place where families could pick up gifts, have treats, and even have the items wrapped.