Press Releases

Silver Dollar City Foundation’s Care For Kids Makes A Greater Impact On The Lives of Children

October 20, 2021

25 years of serving celebrated and over $2 million donated

(Branson, Mo Fall 2021)       Recognizing a quarter-century of service to the region, Silver Dollar City Foundation’s Care For Kids program is announcing 2021 marks more than $2 million donated to area kids in need. As the number of families and young people in need continues to grow in these challenging times in the counties of Stone and Taney, the Foundation’s goal of meeting the many needs of area children facing hardships is increasingly necessary. Families receive medical care, clothing, essentials and some extras.

“These funds allow educators to observe a child in need, like the girl who is too afraid to ask for a prom dress because she knows her family can’t afford it. The boy who misses out on a field trip because his family had limited funds. The kid who could make the team, but can’t afford new shoes. The girl who wants to play an instrument, but knows her parents don’t have the means to allow her. These funds give kids an opportunity to fit in, learn and experience more in life.”

John Baltes, President, Silver Dollar City Foundation

Currently, the Foundation is collaborating with Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson to increase the funding distributed to each of the 14 school district in the two counties. Collectively in this school year, more than 5,000 students have directly benefited from the program, with schools spending $124,687.00 in the following categories:

• Rent/utilities/fuel $42,027
• School supplies $26,364
• Coats/clothing/fuel $19,270
• Vision/dental/medical $16,489
• Food at school/home $11,110
• School activities $8,011
• Misc $1083

In addition to the increase in donations and participants, the Foundation recognizes a 25-year anniversary as a 501c3 private foundation. Created in December 1996, the Foundation sets out to provide grants to support youth and adult ministry programs and projects strengthening families. “Our organization would not have been possible without all of the hard work and dedication from our community and wonderful volunteers. 25 years ago the Foundation set out to improve the lives of those in need, and today we continue to do just that,” said Baltes.

Silver Dollar City Foundation’s Care For Kids Assists Over 5,000 Students in 2018-2019

Branson, MO

August 22, 2019

In the 2018-2019 school year, Care For Kids assisted over 5,000 students in Stone and Taney Counties by giving time, attention, care and resources. The Silver Dollar City Foundation provided funding for:

• Nearly 1,600 children with clothes, coats and shoes
• Over 800 children with essential school supplies
• 900 children with food at school or home
• Nearly 600 children and their families with rent, utilities, fuel or auto repair
• Over 800 children with mentor programs and life skills
• Approximately 300 children with miscellaneous needs

To date, the Care For Kids program has assisted over 45,000 kids in Stone and Taney Counties. The donation amounts to nearly $1.65 million over the past 13 years.