Four years ago, following county budget cuts to CASA and DEFACS, a group of local women, led by Joy Key, joined together to raise funds to add some joyful support for children in foster care.

They began an event called Little Black Dress, which was a very successful fundraiser. This year, however, there will be no dinner dance or special event. Instead, the committee is holding a raffle fundraiser. Thanks to donations from Stone’s Stores and Care Chiropractic, the group is offering a Green Egg raffle.

This event has greatly benefitted the Department of Family and Children Services, as evidenced in a letter of thanks sent by them to the committee.

The letter states that because of the amount raised in previous years they were able to not only provide Christmas to all children in foster care in Decatur County, but also to help some needy families. That need has extended throughout the year and money has been used to help foster families with birthdays, clothing and essentials for children just brought into care.

They cite the case of a sibling group of seven who were removed via emergency and the only thing they had were the clothes on their backs. “The children were so excited to be able to go shopping and get new clothes and hair supplies,” the letter states. “The oldest child in this group still thanks us every time I see him for what we were able to do for them.”

There are currently 33 children in foster care in Decatur County. The need and the number continue to grow, as they are reporting more children now than they have had in several years.

Tickets at $10 each are available from Joy Key Photography, Bella’s Boutique, Coldwell Banker Brock Realty, Uncle Bill’s Pizza, Ryan Cleveland Law Office and Daniel White Dental office. The last day to purchase tickets is December 4 and the drawing will be held December 5.