Two groups that are focused on the health and safety of local children got a helping hand from the Cullman Association of Realtors Wednesday afternoon.

The Alabama Credit Union’s Secret Meals for Hungry Children program and the Brooks’ Place Child Advocacy Center were both presented with donations of $17,000 each during the association’s monthly meeting at the All Steak Restaurant.

The Realtors Association’s Kerry Neighbors presented the two donations, and said money for them came from the annual Charity Auction that the association hosted last month.

He said the first donation to the Secret Meals program was seven years ago for a total of $1,900, but the proceeds from the auction continue to grow every year, and this year’s ended with a total of $34,000.

“We’ve had a lot of good auctions over the years, and it’s pretty awesome that every year it seems to get better and better,” he said.

The Secret Meals program partners with local food banks and schools to provide weekend meals for students that may otherwise go hungry when they aren’t in school, and the program is present in eight schools around the county, Alabama Credit Union Branch Supervisor Laurie Legg said.

She said it costs around $160 to feed a child for one school year through the program, so the $17,000 donation will help feed 106 additional children in Cullman County, and she and everyone else involved in the program are grateful for this year’s donation from the Realtors Association.

“I just don’t know how y’all do what you do, but I know it’s a lot of hard work and we really, really appreciate it,” she said. “Because without y’all, there could be some kids going without food.”

Legg also thanked the association for their continued support over the years, and said the people of the community are always willing to show support. 

“It’s awesome all over the state, but Cullman takes care of Cullman,” she said. 

The Brooks’ Place Child Advocacy Center offers support, counseling and other services to children and families that have been affected by sexual abuse, and Brooks’ Place board member Jimmy Peyton also thanked the association for the monetary support that the center received Wednesday.

“We are very appreciative of what you have done this year and all of your hard work that went into that,” he said. “Your support and your hard work to provide this funding, it makes all the difference to us, and it’s going to reach kids and help kids with counseling and guiding them through the difficulties that they are in.”

All of the services offered to families are completely free and all of Brooks’ Place’s funding comes from grants and donations, so the contribution from the Cullman Association of Realtors means that more children and families will be able to get the help they need, said forensic interviewer Blakely Harper.

“It’s a blessing,” she said. “It couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Tyler Hanes can be reached at 256-734-2131 ext. 138.