During the holiday season, when we reflect on our blessings, often we think of how we can help those in need.

Getting involved with or supporting the Bryan County Children’s Fund is one way to support needy families and children right here at home.

The Bryan County Children’s Fund (BCCF), part of Bryan County Family Connection, is a charitable organization that helps to provide gifts and clothing to children at Christmastime.

“We try to make sure that no child goes without Christmas gifts,” explained Wendy Sims, BCCF Coordinator. “If there’s a needy family in the county, we try to make sure that they have Christmas for their children– not just toys, but that every child has at least one outfit, pajamas, socks, shoes, underwear, and some sort of outerwear.”

Last year, BCCF provided gifts for over 520 children.

“Each year we tend to grow in numbers, and especially right now with how the economy is, we’ve taken on a little more,” said Sims.

Needy families apply for BCCF services and become eligible based on financial need. Local church groups, schools, organizations, and families can adopt a child or family through BCCF. Any remaining children or families are adopted directly by the Fund.

Volunteers do all of the shopping. Gifts are then sorted and placed into bags for distribution to adoptive groups and individual families. 

“We don't wrap them because we hope parents can get a sense of ownership,” said Sims. “They can look over what we've gotten for the children and wrap it themselves to make it more personal.”

This year, for the first time, Willow Salon is holding a charity ball with all proceeds benefiting BCCF.

“If you want to get involved, I think the charity ball is an excellent way to do that,” Sims said. “More than money, we hope that we can raise awareness.”

The Willow Salon Charity Ball will take place this Friday, December 10 at 7 p.m. at the Richmond Hill City Center. The event, which is black tie optional, will feature a buffet dinner, cash bar, dancing, and silent auction. Tickets cost $75 per person. For details, please call 756-2141.

Sims extends gratitude to the generous people of Bryan County. She sends a special thanks to those involved with the Good Ol’ Boys Santa Scramble golf tournament, which raises money for BCCF each year.

“The people of Bryan County never let us down– they continue to volunteer, giving time and money, and that means a lot not only to our committee, but to families. We see the families and we know it means a lot.”

BCCF needs volunteers to help sort and bag gifts beginning next week. To find out how you can help, please contact Wendy Sims at 653-3824 or 756-3602, or visit www.gafcp.org/fcnetwork/bryan. Checks can be made payable to Bryan County Children’s Fund and mailed to P.O. Box 1239 Richmond Hill, GA 31324.