FREWSBURG — The Relief Zone, Inc. (TRZ), received $4,500 in gift donations from local residents and area businesses that will benefit children’s programming at TRZ located at 5 Frew Run and The Relief Zone Endowment Fund, administered by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. The monies were raised from the 2018 Christmas Memorial Tree Lighting Ceremony and TRZ Fall Fund Drive.

Since opening its doors 18 years ago, TRZ has played a pivotal role in providing assistance to families, youth, and young adults through a variety of children’s programming including Kidz Jump Start Before School Program, Kidz After School Program, No School/Half Days Program, Kidz Summer Day Camp, and Cardinal Care After School Program. Donations from The Fall Fund Drive donations support these vital programs.

“We are sincerely thankful for the continued support from our donors and local businesses,” said Lisa Lyon, The Relief Zone executive director. “These generous gifts ensure that participants have access to affordable, high-quality social and educational programming. Last year, we provided services for more than 300 children who enjoyed reliable and conveniently located programming at minimal cost to our families. From supporting before and after school programming to helping to fund summer camp activities, our donors help boost student success while providing a safe and supervised learning environment that gives our parents peace of mind.”

Thirty donors sponsored a memorial tree during the 2018 Christmas Memorial Tree event that raised funds to benefit The Relief Zone Endowment Fund, administered by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. The fund was established in August of 2008 when the Board of Directors recognized that the Center necessitated a long-range financial plan to sustain The Relief Zone. The active endowment fund provides an annual return based on the size of the fund. The purpose of the endowment fund is to support the charitable efforts of The Relief Zone and its impact on the Town of Carroll’s youth and families now and into the future.

“This vital endowment is a gift that keeps on giving,” Lyon said. “An endowment gift is permanently invested toward growth, income, and sustainability of TRZ’s future.”

For more information about TRZ programming or to make a tax-deductible donation, contact Lisa Lyon, executive director, at TRZ at 716-569-2614 or visit their website at thereliefzone.org.