Each year, Tara’s Lighthouse raises funds to provide food to students and families in need during Christmas break from school in Cushing and Agra. 

“School lunches are not available and our area food banks close for this holiday period because all workers are volunteers,” said Randy Brown, Tara’s Lighthouse board member.

The organization hopes to provide 125 boxes in the Cushing area, each box the family receives will make roughly 120 meals. 

“Inflation has affected not only the amount of food we can include in each box but it’s been hard on the families as well,” Brown said. “That makes fundraising for these families more important than ever.” 

The grant provided by the Central Foundation will cover the cost of a portion of the boxes, but Tara’s Lighthouse is looking to the community to provide the rest of the funds. Those interested can mail checks to 201 E Main St. A, Cushing, OK 74023.

The Central Community Foundation provides grants through the Operation Round Up program at Central Rural Electric Cooperative. Members of CREC can round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar to help organizations and residents in need throughout Central’s seven-county service area.