CENTRE — Members of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce gathered Thursday morning, June 11, for the organization’s monthly Chamber Breakfast, an event that not only provides opportunities for networking and community engagement but also shines a spotlight on organizations making a difference across Cherokee County.

Held at the Cherokee County Chamber offices on the Gadsden State Cherokee Campus, the breakfast brought together chamber members, elected officials, community leaders, chamber ambassadors, and guests for a morning focused on service and community support.

The Chamber Breakfast is held on the second Thursday of each month at 8 a.m., providing attendees an opportunity to hear from local businesses and organizations while building relationships within the community.

Daniel Steele welcomed those in attendance and recognized elected officials, distinguished guests, and chamber ambassadors. Terry Dean delivered the blessing, and Steele led the Pledge of Allegiance. Breakfast for the event was provided by Woody’s Restaurant.

The June breakfast was sponsored by the Children’s and Seniors Assistance Foundation of Cherokee County, commonly known as CSAF.

Cherokee County Chamber Executive Director Joy Perry welcomed attendees and noted that copies of the latest editions of New Vision Magazine and Alabama Foodie Magazine were available. Perry also recognized members of the Chamber Board before introducing Dean Amos, president of CSAF.

Amos began by introducing members of the organization’s board and providing an overview of the nonprofit’s mission. He explained that CSAF operates as an all-volunteer organization dedicated to assisting children, families, seniors, and individuals facing hardships throughout Cherokee County.

A brochure outlining the organization’s work was provided to attendees as Amos discussed the three primary programs operated by CSAF.

One of the organization’s most visible efforts is its annual Christmas for Kids program. Amos explained that the initiative serves children from infancy through age 15 and requires significant fundraising and volunteer support each year. The program relies on both monetary and toy donations and has become a major undertaking for the organization.

Since 2017, CSAF has provided Christmas assistance to approximately 1,700 children in Cherokee County. During the most recent holiday season alone, the program assisted 317 children.

Through an application process that begins each October, eligible families who reside in Cherokee County may receive assistance. Children are provided with new toys, and many receive additional items such as coats when needed. The organization also includes a Bible as part of each distribution.

Amos emphasized that the success of the program depends heavily on community involvement. Local businesses, first responders, civic organizations, churches, and individual donors all play important roles in helping CSAF meet its fundraising goals and serve local families.

To support those efforts, the organization conducts fundraising activities throughout the year, including an upcoming softball tournament and participation in the county’s Fall Festival, where barbecue sales help generate support for the program.

Amos also discussed the organization’s Hygiene Program, which works closely with local schools and addresses needs that often go unnoticed but can significantly impact a person’s daily life.

Teachers frequently notify CSAF when students need hygiene products, clothing items, shoes, undergarments, or lice treatment kits. Amos noted that the organization is often able to respond within a day of receiving a request. While many referrals come through schools, the program is available to anyone in Cherokee County experiencing hygiene-related needs, including adults.

The third major initiative discussed was the organization’s Crisis Program, which addresses a broad range of emergency and hardship situations.

Since its formation in 2018, the program has assisted residents facing circumstances that extend beyond traditional charitable services. Assistance has included providing building materials for wheelchair ramps, replacing essential household appliances for disabled individuals, and helping families facing unexpected hardships.

Amos explained that the organization regularly receives calls from individuals experiencing difficult situations and that many of those requests involve immediate needs. In some cases, CSAF has worked with community partners to secure temporary housing for individuals and families facing emergencies, including domestic situations or other crises that leave people without a safe place to stay.

He also recognized Atrium Health Floyd for supporting temporary housing efforts through grant assistance.

Throughout the presentation, Amos stressed the importance of responsible stewardship of donated funds. He explained that CSAF utilizes Charity Tracker, a system designed to help nonprofit organizations coordinate assistance and prevent duplication of services. By documenting requests and reviewing assistance already provided by other organizations, CSAF seeks to ensure resources are distributed wisely and effectively.

Amos also shared several testimonials from individuals and families who have benefited from the organization’s programs. Many of the stories highlighted how even basic necessities, such as hygiene items, socks, or a toothbrush, can have a meaningful impact on individuals facing difficult circumstances.

The presentation emphasized that Cherokee County is home to many residents who occasionally need temporary assistance and that community partnerships remain essential to meeting those needs.

Amos noted that referrals often come from agencies such as the Department of Human Resources, schools, first responders, healthcare providers, and other organizations that identify residents in need of support.

He also emphasized the cooperative nature of nonprofit work within Cherokee County, describing a network of organizations that regularly work together to assist residents rather than compete for resources. The shared goal, he explained, is ensuring that needs within the community are met wherever possible.

The breakfast concluded with attendees learning more about the work being carried out by CSAF and the many volunteers, donors, businesses, and community partners who help make the organization’s programs possible.

For chamber members and guests in attendance, the presentation offered a reminder that behind many of the county’s charitable efforts are volunteers working year-round to provide support, resources, and hope to children, families, seniors, and individuals facing hardship throughout Cherokee County.