At almost $19,000 as of last week, the Suffolk News-Herald Cheer Fund remains short of its $35,000 goal and is counting on last-minute donations to fill the gap.

“For whatever reason, donations are lagging this year, whether it’s the short Christmas season or the economy still impacting the ability of people to give,” Cheer Fund board member Frank Rawls said. “It is very important for those who are thinking of giving and can give to please complete the act and make their donation to the Cheer Fund.”

The Cheer Fund raises money for Toys for Tots, all of which stays in Suffolk. The number of children served this year increased by about 20 percent, making donations doubly important.

Donating to the Cheer Fund is a better way to donate than buying a toy because Toys for Tots, buying from toy wholesalers, can purchase toys for pennies on the dollar compared to buying them from the shelf at a retail store, according to John Woleben, who coordinates the Toys for Tots effort in Suffolk.

The Cheer Fund accepts donations after Christmas and year-around. If you didn’t get around to making your donation before the holiday, there’s still time. The money that is donated this year will be used for toys next year.

Send your check to 130 S. Saratoga St., Suffolk, VA 23434 or bring it by the Suffolk News-Herald at that address. If you bring your check in person, we’ll be happy to take your photo handing the check to one of our staff and publish it in the newspaper.

For more information about the Cheer Fund, call 934-9616.