Proceeds from the annual Run with the Outlaws 5k allow community members to go the extra mile to serve the youth.
On Nov. 18, MC4Kids accepted a check in the amount of $1,846 from the event.
MC4Kids exists to serve the under-served children throughout McDonald County. The organization was formed five years ago after community members noticed students in each school had unfulfilled needs.
Members conduct surveys at each school in the county to evaluate student needs -- whether that be clothing, school supplies, glasses, or food.
MC4Kids then works in partnership with local businesses to provide for any demands that may arise. They work with the Clothes Closet in Noel to ensure children have weather-appropriate clothing as well as with United Way to fill backpacks with school supplies for students in need.
Recently, MC4Kids was instrumental in purchasing and distributing 450 pairs of new tennis shoes to the students at Noel Elementary.
"When kids have something to be proud of they excel. In school and at home," said President Deborah Pearson.
The organization doesn't only benefit the children -- it works to make parents' lives easier too.
Pearson said just last week there was a student who broke his eyeglasses. His family could only afford one pair per year so MC4Kids stepped in to fill his prescription and replace his glasses.
"We do this with the hope that, in the future, these kids 'pay it forward' and help someone in need." she said.
General News on 12/01/2016