Now that the Christmas season is over, the Suffolk News-Herald Cheer Fund is within reach of its $35,000 goal.

As of Jan. 8, nearly $33,000 had been collected from generous individuals, organizations and businesses throughout Suffolk. That money helped serve more children than ever before.

However, just a few more donations would help reach the goal and build up a reserve for future years.

“I am really hopeful that the readers will continue to contribute to enable us to reach the goal that we’re so close to reaching,” said Frank Rawls, a member of the Cheer Fund’s board. “We’re very appreciative of all of those who have given. Many are faithful givers year after year.”

But, he added, “We need some new givers.”

Rawls said money collected will help buy toys for next Christmas.

“If we don’t reach our goal, it means we have loss to spend on toys next year,” he said. “That creates a problem, because we served over a thousand more children this year.”

The Cheer Fund accepts donations year-around and is used by Toys for Tots to purchase toys. To donate, send a check to the Cheer Fund to P.O. Box 1220, Suffolk, VA 23439 or bring it by our office at 130 S. Saratoga St.

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