The White County Tax Assessors office is holding its annual cereal drive in an effort to help struggling families in the Searcy and White County area.

Jenece Miller with the Assessors office says their goal is to help struggling families in Searcy during the hot summer months.

"This is our third year to hold this event," Miller said on Friday. "We just want to bring in enough cereal to feed hungry families in the area."

So far, the office has raised more than 200 boxes of cereal and hopes to build on that total before its June 29 deadline. 

"We have had several people from the downtown district donate money for this cause," she said. "We also had a 4-H group from Mount Pleasant bring in quite a bit of cereal as well."

The money and cereal donated will go to the local ministry "His House" to help feed hungry families in Searcy. His House was created nearly 20 years ago as a benevolence ministry of College Church of Christ. 

Charles Raley, who has been with the ministry since 1994, directs the work at His House and said the need is always great and any donation is appreciated. 

"We had about 70 families visit us earlier this week," Raley said. "We've been running an average of 100 or so families a week, so you can see how far the donations can go."

While "His House" and other organizations take in more than just cereal donations, Miller says this particular area means just a little bit more to her personally. 

"I've got grandkids," she said. "I know there are a lot of important things that people can donate to, but this is just special to me and really touches my heart."

The Tax Assessors office is accepting nearly any type of cereal that is eight ounces or more. Highly nutritional cereal is recommended. Oatmeal, Pop-Tarts, Cream of Wheat or other breakfast foods also accepted. 

To donate please drop off your cereal at the White County Tax Assessors office located in downtown Searcy on 119 W. Arch Street between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

For more information please call Jenece Miller at 501-279-6208.

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