GreenvilleOnline.com
STAFF REPORT
11:59 a.m. ET June 13, 2017
http://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/2017/06/13/upstate-childrens-cancer-organizations-recognized-state-representatives/392162001/
The Children’s Security Blanket (CSB) and the Children’s Cancer Optimist Club (CCOC) were recently honored with a House resolution in recognition of their efforts to provide support for children who are battling cancer.
The resolution was presented to the organizations by members of the South Carolina House of Representatives.
CSB was founded in Spartanburg and now serves families in 66 counties across three states.
As volunteers, staff, board members and families who have benefited from the services offered by CSB watched from the gallery, Rep. Rita Allison read the resolution on the floor of the State House.
The representative took the opportunity to recognize the groups in advance of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September when the House is not in session.
“The Children’s Security Blanket, while starting in Spartanburg, is now serving our entire state with a blanket of care, love, and support for our children and their families who face cancer,” said Allison, representing people from District 36. “We commend their special work.”
Beginning as a project of the Optimist Club in 1999, and becoming a nonprofit organization in 2006, The Children’s Security Blanket has served hundreds of families affected by childhood cancer.
The organization provides a wide range of assistance for struggling families including making travel arrangements to healthcare facilities and providing funds for transportation, lodging, and meals while the children receive critical medical treatments.
CSB, whose service area extends throughout South Carolina and portions of North Carolina and Georgia, also offers tremendous emotional support, special events and other resources that enrich the lives of the children, parents, and siblings.
The CCOC supports the mission of the CSB and works to stimulate greater awareness of the special needs of children with cancer while identifying local resources for their families.
“The hard work of volunteers and staff, as well as the generosity of our many supporters, has been the impetus behind the significant growth in our service area and our ability to serve more families in crisis,” said Laura Allen, executive director of The Children’s Security Blanket. “We are very honored by the recognition offered by Rep. Allison and her colleagues. Their support is both meaningful and motivational as we work to ensure these precious children are provided with the support they desperately need.”