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Our History
In January 1993, a group of seven individuals sat at a table in the
Dawsonville Pool Room to discuss forming an organization to pick up the
efforts of the local Jaycee chapter’s Empty Stocking Fund. These concerned
citizens agreed first on the mission of the organization and secondly on
the name of the organization. The mission- to help children in Dawson
County- has never changed but grown stronger each year. In 2003, the group
was asked by another organization in California to cease using the name
StarBright Foundation, Inc. Their charity held the national trademark for
that name and both groups had similar missions. What should the new name
be? The Board took the question to the Elementary schools and asked the
children. From their suggestions, the name KARE for Kids, Inc. (Kids Are
Really Equal) was decided upon and the mission continued.
The organization began with only the assets of the Jaycee’s- tables,
signs, etc. used to produce the annual Moonshine Festival. As the years
past, the festival grew to become one of the most well known activities in
the North Georgia area. This generated funds that continued the effort of
providing support for underprivileged children in our community. The
entire county joins in the effort, churches, school groups, businesses,
and individuals jump in to contribute by sponsoring children at Christmas,
making donations, and hosting fundraisers on their own. The spirit of
giving spreads quickly throughout the Dawson County community and the
mission of KARE for Kids, Inc. grew as the needs were presented. The
volunteers have done an excellent job of organizing the effort, making
changes to policies to make sure that the best interests of the children
of Dawson County are upheld and built upon. KARE for Kids, Inc. members,
board members, and volunteers are consistently striving to maintain an
organization open to positive change and growth, along with cooperation of
the community and various organizations. It takes everyone working
together to be most efficient and beneficial to the children. KARE is
proud to be partners of Ric Rack, The Family Connection, Prevent Child
Abuse, and the Dawson County Family & Children’s Services. Our overall
mission is vastly embraced in Dawson County and stands behind the vow to
make our community a brighter place, one child at a time!
Who We Are
KARE for Kids, Inc is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides for
children in Dawson County. There are no paid positions within the
organization and it depends solely on the generosity of Dawson County and
the tireless work of its volunteers. All that is asked of the volunteers
is to have a big heart and a true compassion for children. They are all
stretched very thin, so KARE members welcome all available volunteers with
open arms.
What We Do
Simply Stated, KARE takes care of our
children by addressing their needs. KARE uses the funds they raise to
provide necessities to the children of Dawson County. Among some of the
items KARE has purchased over the years are: winter coat, shoes, clothing,
medicine, eye glasses, list of items required for boot camp, educational
resources, summer school fees, toys, etc. With the exception of Christmas,
these needs must come to KARE in the form of a referral from the school or
other agency. For information on becoming a volunteer, please e-mail us
or come to a meeting. We meet the 4th Monday of each month at the City
Hall of Dawsonville, 7:00 pm.
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