Hancock County Fights Cancer awards checks to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, HUGS of Hancock County

September 27, 2022 | By Joy Swearingen

In the top photo, Hancock County Fights Cancer presented $24,300 to HUGS of Hancock County. In front are, Florine Dixon, president of HUGS, and Cynthia Stewart, president of HCFC. Second row from left are HUGS board members Terry Massey, Jo Webster, Joyce Buckert and Melita Finney, then HCFC board members Kim Taylor, Kris Pilkington and Joy Swearingen. In the bottom photo, Hancock County Fights Cancer presented $16,200 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. From left, Joy Swearingen of HCFC, presents the check to Tess Swearingen, a St. Jude Run runner and childhood cancer survivor, and Molly Shepherdson from St. Jude's affiliate in Peoria. | Photos courtesy of Hancock County Fights Cancer

CARTHAGE, Ill. — Hancock County Fights Cancer presented checks totaling $40,500 from proceeds of this year’s team fundraising events and annual block party to HUGS (Help Us Give Support) of Hancock County and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The group presented a check for $16,200 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for cancer research and a second check for $24,300 to HUGS of Hancock County, a non-profit organization that provides financial and emotional support to cancer patients from Hancock County.

In a press release, HUGS treasurer Melita Finney said, “The financial support may include $200 gas cards, $200 pharmacy cards and $200 gift cards. Additional assistance is available if needed. HUGS relies solely on memorials and donations to fund these services. Every dollar received stays in Hancock County to be used here.”

At the group’s annual meeting held in August, treasurer Kim Taylor reported total receipts from team events totaled $22,671. Additional funds were raised with a car show, community sponsors, township drives and other activities during the annual block party on June 4 on the courthouse square in Carthage. A $7,000 donation was received from the Strawberry Strut committee following its 2022 event.

Additional business at the annual meeting Hancock County Fights Cancer included the election of board members and officers for 2022.

Officers elected were:

Cynthia Stewart, president
Kris Pilkington, vice-president
Kim Taylor, treasurer and
Joy Swearingen. secretary

Board members will be:

Diane Adkisson
Cari Davis
Annette Heinike
Camie Pilkington
Christina Robert
Rachel Ward
Jo Webster and
Greta Wetzel

HUGS gladly accepts cancer patient referrals from the public. HUGS provides cancer patients in Hancock County with gas cards or help with prescription costs, as well as other financial support on a case-by-case basis such as rent, utilities or emergency needs.

Anyone who knows someone diagnosed with cancer can make a referral to HUGS by calling Florine Dixon at 217-219-0084 or Joyce Buckert at 217-357-3887.