Needy Kids raises more than 10K

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On Wednesday morning, members of the Greenfield Rotary Club took in more than $10,000 in donations during the 36th annual Needy Kids Radiothon, an event that is also sponsored and broadcast by WVNU.

According to Rotarian and Needy Kids organizer Barb Barton, during the radiothon $10,055 was donated by local business, organizations, and individuals. But she said the giving doesn’t stop with the radiothon, as more donations tend to trickle in after the event. She said each year the total tends to be somewhere between $12,000 and $14,000.

Barton on Wednesday extended “a huge thank you to the community,” adding that this year’s event was “really successful.”

And the money, which is always spent locally, will go to help children in the Greenfield and Leesburg school districts throughout the coming year.

Barton said previously that when Needy Kids first started nearly four decades ago, it was to give children in need a brighter Christmas, but through the years a lot of organizations and programs have materialized that serve that purpose of providing Christmas for needy children.

She said that after talking to schools, churches, and other local organizations there are needs throughout the year that Needy Kids will focus on.

If a child needs shoes, a winter coat, school supplies, “whatever the need is, we want to be able to fulfill that,” Barton previously said. And that, she said, is the new focus going forward. But she said that Needy Kids will still “be there” at Christmas time, too.

Needy Kids is working with schools within the Greenfield and Leesburg school districts, as well as other local organizations, to identify those in need and ways that Needy Kids can help.

Since Needy Kids began, more than $300,000 has been donated to the effort by the community, Barton said.

Those interested in giving can still do so by dropping off donations anytime at any local Greenfield bank, which includes Fifth Third, Southern Hills Community Bank, Community Savings Bank, and both the Merchants National Bank locations. Donations can also be dropped off at Fifth Third in Leesburg. Or, mail donations to Needy Kids Radiothon, P.O. Box 329, Greenfield, Ohio 45123.

Reach Angela Shepherd at 937-393-3456, ext. 1681, or on Twitter @wordyshepherd.

Kenny Curry, center, with the Greenfield Tractor Club presents a $750 donation during the 2015 Needy Kids Radiothon. Nelson Hunter with WVNU, left, and Greenfield Rotarian Barb Barton with Fifth Third Bank, right, are also pictured. Barton, on behalf of Fifth Third, also presented a $1,000 donation to Needy Kids on Wednesday.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2015/12/web1_NeedyKids2015.jpgKenny Curry, center, with the Greenfield Tractor Club presents a $750 donation during the 2015 Needy Kids Radiothon. Nelson Hunter with WVNU, left, and Greenfield Rotarian Barb Barton with Fifth Third Bank, right, are also pictured. Barton, on behalf of Fifth Third, also presented a $1,000 donation to Needy Kids on Wednesday.
Charity’s focus will expand in the coming year

By Angela Shepherd

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