MARION (WSIL) -- The community stepped up to help new foster families right here in southern Illinois.
More than 160 people went out Saturday night to Black Diamond RV Superstore for the Winter Mini Golf Classic.
Participants were able to enjoy 18 holes of golf, win prizes and enjoy free food from the Southern Illinois Meatball Company.
The event raised several thousands of dollars for the Foster Family Resource Center of Southern Illinois, which spans across 22 counties.
It provides new foster families with items like diapers, toys, books, as well as, bedding and blankets.
Those are that items not provided by the state or agencies and help ease the transition for new foster families.
Les O'Dell, who is a board member of the organization, told News 3 it also means the world for children, who often grew up with very little.
"We've had kids who come in and may be able to get a name brand athletic sweat suit and matching shoes for the very first time," he explains. "Or they're sleeping in a bed of their own that we've been able to provide for them."
O'Dell is one of the founders of the Foster Family Resource Center of Southern Illinois and started the organization after adopting three children with his wife.
Profits from the children's resale shop Two Bugs and Bean in Carbondale also go to support the organization.
