Special to IFN
With the deadline for donations rapidly approaching, contributions to the Lonely Children’s Fund through January 9 have totaled $26,293.
The deadline for contributions for the 2025 holiday campaign is January 16, but donations are accepted year-round.
The Lonely Children’s Fund began in 1960 as a way to provide a sense of normalcy for youth in foster care in Iredell County. The Lonely Children’s Fund continues to play a vital role in supporting these foster youth and helps them overcome barriers. New challenges arise daily, and these funds are essential in ensuring that children experience a sense of normalcy. Currently, the funds are being allocated to support two children who have been placed with family members in Florida. This initiative exemplifies the fund’s mission to connect youth with resources that serve their best interests.
“As a Child Welfare Administrator, I find immense joy in providing our youth with opportunities that align with those of their peers, while also offering our social workers reassurance that these children can pursue their aspirations,” shared Shayna Rouson with the Iredell County Department of Social Services.
The fund helps create a supportive environment, allowing youth to connect with families, attend school dances, participate in extracurricular activities like sports and gymnastics, and enjoy outings such as school field trips or movie nights with friends.
“I am deeply proud of our community’s generosity and commitment to these children. As of December 31, 2025, there were 127 children in foster care in Iredell County. With the donations of the Lonely Children’s Fund, these children have and are granted normalcy, stability, a solid foundation,” Rouson added.
HOW TO GIVE
Please send checks and money orders payable to:
Lonely Children’s Fund
Attention: Iredell County DSS
549 Eastside Drive
Statesville, NC 28625
Recent Contributions
DECEMBER 22
♦ MOUNTIN VIEW METHODIST CHURCH: $100
♦ CLAIRE AND CHRISTOPHER SCHMIDT: $250
♦ CAROLYN STEVENSON, IN MEMORY OF HER PARENTS HOWARD AND MAUDE DEAL: $40
♦ BOB AND LAURA JOHNSON, IN HONOR OF THEIR FOUR GRANDCHILDREN: $100
♦ FOREST PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: $200
♦ RICHARD SHAVER, IN HONOR OF BILL AND BECKY POPE: $500
♦ RICHARD SHAVER, IN MEMORY OF JOE BROWLEY: $200
DECEMBER 23
♦ ANONYMOS DONATION: $1,000
♦ SUSAN VIOLETTE AND JOSEPH FOUTZ: $25
DECEMBER 29
♦ JOY SHUFORD, IN HONOR OF HER GRANDDAUGHTER JOCELLYN SHUFORD: $500
♦ H. NELSON MCCASKILL: $25
♦ J. DALE AND DIANE MCLELLAND: $200
♦ JEAN D. WILSON: $200
♦ LILLY POWELL, IN HONOR OF HUNTER, COY AND CHIP: $75
♦ IREDELL EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION: $348
♦ GREGORY AND ROBIN WILSON: $25
♦ ANONYMOS DONATION: $500
♦ RHODESSA EDISON, IN MEMORY OF GARRET JAYCE TUCKER: $25
DECEMBER 31
♦ REVA MOORE AND JANICE STONE: $20
JANUARY 2
♦ ANONYMOUS: $100
JANUARY 8
♦ BETH CHILTON MCCOULLUM: $100
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