Service League of Cherokee County helping children in need

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Good Day Atlanta is highlighting local organizations that give back. All year long the women with the Service League of Cherokee County raise money to help children in need.

Beep, beep! Watch out, a hoard of bikes is on the way to make some children smile. "This is my 8th year and this is one of the most fun things in the league. It's all fun and it all goes to a great cause. All year long, helping children throughout Cherokee County," says Shannan Cagle, the President of the Service League of Cherokee County.

The Service League of Cherokee County puts on events throughout the year to raise money. They have a "Dancing for the Children" ball, a Reindeer Run 5k, and their biggest fundraiser is River Fest, an arts and crafts festival in Canton. This year they raised more than $148,000. "Every bit of profit we have goes right back into these children and it was a record-setting year," adds Shannan.

The league funds high school scholarships and every month some of the money is dedicated to local families who may be struggling. "We help pay utilities when families are in need, we help with rent. We help with medical vision, dental?"

Most of the money though is set aside to shop for more than 200 Cherokee County school students in need at Christmas.

"These lists you get from children, most of them come through counselors, and some of them are so humbling. It's a mattress, a car seat, socks, a bed, and we try to do everything possible to get it, there are diapers on Christmas lists for some of the smaller ones," Shannan shares.

The Service League was first founded in 1935, and is the oldest service organization in the county. The 100 women are always quietly working to make a difference in the lives of local children. It's a mission on full display here at the holidays.

"Every league member gets to see how much we help children," Shannan says.

This year's Christmas drive is done, but if you'd like more information about the organization, visit http://serviceleague.net/