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As we turn the calendar to November and voting season has essentially ended, it is time to set our sights on a new season — holiday season. A season where people worldwide celebrate in many ways, but there is one universal tone of the season — giving. In this, its 90th year, the Suffolk Cheer Fund is looking forward to continuing its tradition of providing Christmas to children less fortunate throughout Suffolk. As we kick off this year’s fundraising campaign, let’s take a brief look at the fund’s beginnings. 

The Suffolk Cheer Fund was established in 1934 during the Great Depression to provide holiday assistance to families in need in Suffolk. The fund was created by the Suffolk News-Herald, which published an editorial calling on residents to help local charities meet the demands of citizens struggling during the economic downturn. The initial goal was to raise $500, which is roughly equivalent to $11,000 today. The money was distributed by a committee of representatives from local civic organizations. The Cheer Fund exceeded its goal in its first year, providing food baskets to 102 families. 

The Cheer Fund continued to thrive in the years leading up to World War II, but the war effort put a strain on funding.** Despite a slow start in 1940, the fund eventually exceeded $700, and by 1944, it had raised nearly $1,000. In 1945, the Cheer Fund was not held due to sufficient funds being available to assist families. By the end of the 1950s, the fund had set a goal of $2,000, which is roughly equivalent to $25,500 today, and successfully met its goal. 

In the following decades, the Cheer Fund continued to grow and evolve. In 1969, the Cheer Fund began partnering with The Salvation Army, public welfare departments, civic and social organizations, churches, and individuals to distribute aid to families in need. By 1970, over 700 families were receiving baskets through the coordinated program. In the 1970s, the Cheer Fund used its donations to purchase food tickets or SNAP benefits. In the mid-1970s, the Cheer Fund began supporting other local drives like Toys for Tots.  By the end of the 1970s, the Cheer Fund goal was $6,000 and consistently exceeded that goal. 

The Cheer Fund continued to expand in the 1980s, exceeding $10,000 by 1983. By the end of the decade, the fund had set a goal of $20,000, roughly equivalent to $77,000 today. In the 1990s, large department stores began offering discounts to fund administrators to purchase toys, and corporate neighbors started making significant contributions. However, the hurricanes of 1999 significantly impacted the Cheer Fund’s fundraising efforts, leading to a shortfall in donations. Despite the challenges, the community rallied behind the Cheer Fund, and new and innovative events were created to boost donations in the following years. 

The Great Recession of 2007 also took a toll on the Cheer Fun, but the fund continued to persevere. In 2008, national media coverage following a break-in at the Toys for Tots warehouse in Suffolk helped to increase donations. While the fund struggled to reach its goals in the years following the recession, new initiatives like charity golf tournaments, and a coffee shop’s selling coffee cup sleeves helped to maintain the fund’s presence in the community.  Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cheer Fund raised $40,000 for a fourth consecutive year in 2020. In 2022, the Cheer Fund surpassed its goal of $45,000, raising $49,425. Last year, the fund again brought in over $50,000.

As the Suffolk Cheer Fund approaches its 90th anniversary, it continues to be a testament to the generosity and compassion of the Suffolk community. The Suffolk News-Herald, which played a pivotal role in the fund’s creation, remains a steadfast supporter of the Cheer Fund, ensuring that the Christmas season is a little brighter for those in need.