What we do |
Who we serve |
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| Partnering with principals and counselors at elementary schools near each of the Cliffs communities, we are able to identify children in need of food, clothing, shelter, or medical care. CRO set the goal of removing as many of these obstacles for our children as possible, thereby enabling them to focus on learning. We pride ourselves on taking care of the needs immediately, usually the same day the request is received, and with no "red tape". | CRO currently serves 5 elementary schools within the South Carolina Upstate.17.5% of families in the upstate areas live below the poverty line---which is an annual income of less than $22,050 for a family of four. One in five children living in poverty are homeless. Approximately 13% of adults living in the Upstate are functionally illiterate. People who lack basic human necessities are concerned with day-to-day survival, and often must choose between buying food, paying rent, or purchasing medications. The children of these families need our assistance. |
February 14, 2012 was no ordinary Valentine's Day Celebration at the Cliffs of Glassy. Sweethearts and friends gathered to celebrate our annual Love of the Children event to benefit CRO. Over eighty cupids participated in an evening of friendship, fine food, and "opening their hearts" for the children.
CRO Board President, Jim Trunk, discussed that a name change "Children's Regional Outreach" better describes who we serve. Jim also reviewed the mission of CRO; to provide resources to regional pre-k and elementary school children that promote opportunities for lifelong success.
Our schools' counselors and principals were on hand to tell us what a difference CRO has made in the lives of many of our elementary school children by providing school supplies, nourishing foods in the backpacks, educational sponsorships, health and dental assistance, tutoring and mentoring, and emergency aid. "Reading is Fun" has placed books in the hands of children, who may otherwise never own one.
Tribute was paid to Holly Springs Elementary School and their teachers for being named National Blue Ribbon School, chosen as one of 205 schools and recognized by US Department of Education for overall academic excellence, or success in closing achievement gaps.
The evening program continued to gain momentum as testimonials of impassioned, "hands-on" volunteers explained how services and programs actually work to help children in local communities "outside the Cliffs' gates", focus on learning without the burden of being preoccupied with hunger, illness, coldness, or not knowing that someone cares.
Our stories about who we serve and what we do, and the results of our efforts, compelling; our pleas for financial assistance were passionate. In a single evening, an outpouring of financial pledges raised over $24,000.
Thank you to all who attended the Love of the Children, and pledged financially to CRO.
