More than 400 generous donors raised nearly $54,000 for the Chattanooga Times Free Press Neediest Cases Fund, making 2011 one of the best years for giving in the past decade.
The fund, administered by the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, gives small amounts of financial assistance to local residents in need. The Times Free Press asks readers to donate to the fund every year from Thanksgiving through New Year’s as part of a tradition started in 1914.
Sandra Hollett, the Partnership’s chief executive officer, was happy with the amount of money donated.
“Their donation is a true investment in the community,” she said of the Neediest Cases fundraising. The Partnership has no national affiliation, so all donor contributions are used in the Chattanooga area.
Jason Taylor, president of the Times Free Press, credited the generosity of area residents.