PICKENS COUNTY – Members of The Reserve at Lake Keowee Charitable Foundation’s Board of Directors and Outreach Committee, along with Executive Director Kathryn Coleman-Gravely, distributed checks that totaled $20,000 to four nonprofit organizations throughout Pickens County on Monday.

The group distributed checks of $5,000 each to Prevent Child Abuse Pickens County, Pickens County Meals on Wheels, Mary’s House and Helping Hands of Clemson.

The first stop for the group was Prevent Child Abuse Pickens County.

“We (The Reserve at Lake Keowee) have a nonprofit foundation that has a portion of funding that is put back every time a house or piece of property is sold that goes to one of the four funtions: arts, education, environment and outreach,” resident of The Reserve Barbara Evans said. “We also have a fundraiser each year that supplements the outreach program.”

Heather Witt of Prevent Child Abuse said she really appreciated the funds that were given. She said the funds will go towards good use for Prevent Child Abuse.

The group stopped at the new Pickens County Meals on Wheels office in Easley to present a check of $5,000 to Meg Benko, Director of Meals on Wheels.

“We appreciate it greatly,” Benko said. “This means a lot. We are really excited. Even though we’ve grown, there is still a need out there. The need has grown as well. This money will enable us to continue to grow.”

Benko explained to the group that they do have a waiting list, but those in need are waiting less time to get help. She said Meals on Wheels feeds 225 a day and has 21 routes on the road each day.

“This money will help us give our clients the service they need, when they need it,” she said. “It will touch a lot of lives on a lot of levels.”

The group also stopped by Mary’s House and Helping Hands of Clemson to drop a check of $5,000 to each group.

The charities who received the donations were suggested