Difference Makers donation helps Bright Futures meet urgent …

Bright Futures Poplar Bluff workers will continue wrapping their arms around students and their families who need them the most, thanks to the check for $6,225 received from the eighth annual Difference Makers, sponsored by the Daily American Republic.

Poplar Bluff Schools social workers and Bright Futures co-coordinators Donna Moore and Carrie Booker accepted the check Thursday night at the Westwood Center.

“It will allow us to help the students and their families with things only money can buy,” Booker said, sharing the story of a student who lives on her own and needed two new tires for her vehicle to enable her to continue working to support herself.

DAR Regional Editor Donna Farley said Bright Futures was chosen because it meets student needs that have turned into impassable barriers; families may lack a reliable way to clean their clothes, have lost necessities in house fires, or struggle to find safe housing.

More than $50,000 has been raised through the annual Difference Makers campaigns, which donate a portion of the profits to a local charity, as well as other funds raised on the night of the banquet through a silent auction and other activities.

“The Daily American Republic wants to help Bright Futures start the year with a cushion to meet the needs of families in our community,” stated General Manager Heather Williams. “We’re excited to help a group that serves so many of our most vulnerable students.”

Booker and Moore were honored, appreciative, and surprised that the program was selected to receive the funds, and happy about the $6,000-plus check.

Moore said, “As social workers, we bridge the gap between home and school.”

Continuing, Moore explained, “The population we serve is so vast. We address the needs to stabilize things in the home and fill their needs.”

Other funding sources include teachers, community organizations and local businesses.