City of Lebanon to Proclaim September as Community Cares Month

LEBANON, Mo. — September will be Community Cares Month in Lebanon as the City of Lebanon recognizes the Lebanon Area Foundation’s annual Community Cares Fall Campaign and the local nonprofits, businesses, donors and volunteers behind the effort.

The proclamation comes as the Lebanon Area Foundation prepares for its 2026 “Show Us Your Heart” Community Cares Fall Campaign, a month filled with activities designed to raise money and awareness for nonprofit organizations serving Laclede County.

Community Cares is a local giving program that brings individuals and businesses together to support organizations providing services to people throughout the community. Funds raised through the campaign stay local and are awarded to participating nonprofit organizations through Community Cares grants.

Lebanon Area Foundation Administrator Melinda Fries said the city’s recognition represents much more than the foundation itself.

“For more than two decades, Community Cares has been built around a simple idea: when we each give what we can, together we can make an extraordinary difference,” Fries said. “This proclamation is a meaningful recognition not only of the Lebanon Area Foundation, but of the local nonprofits, businesses, donors, volunteers and community members who have made Community Cares what it is today.”

“Show Us Your Heart” Returns in September

Throughout September, Laclede County residents will have several opportunities to participate in this year’s campaign.

The popular $1 Community Cares Paper Hearts will return to participating local businesses, allowing customers to make a small donation and have their heart displayed.

The campaign will also feature the Community Coloring Album, showcasing artwork from local children. Businesses throughout the community will help distribute coloring sheets, with completed artwork becoming part of the digital album.

Community Cares Rocks! will return on First Friday, Sept. 4, in partnership with the Friends of the Lebanon Art Gallery and Guild. The free activity provides participants with rocks, brushes and paint to create their own designs.

Local schools will also have an opportunity to participate through the Power of Change School Penny Drive, Sept. 14-18.

Another campaign event, Dining to Donate, is scheduled for Sept. 16. Applebees in Lebanon with a percentage of the sales that day going to LAF’s Community Cares program.

The month will culminate with the annual “Taking It to the Streets” Day of Giving on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Volunteers will spend time at intersections throughout the community collecting donations for Community Cares.

The foundation is currently seeking volunteers willing to give an hour of their time during the Day of Giving, as well as businesses interested in hosting Paper Heart sales, distributing coloring sheets or becoming a $500 Fall Campaign Sponsor.

Local Dollars Supporting Local Organizations

Money raised through Community Cares helps support dozens of local nonprofit organizations providing services ranging from food and shelter to safety, assistance and other resources for Laclede County residents.

For Fries, September is an opportunity to put the community’s generosity on display.

“September is a special month for us because we get to see that spirit of generosity on display throughout Laclede County,” Fries said. “From businesses selling Community Cares Paper Hearts to sponsors supporting the campaign, families participating in our community activities, and everyone who joins us for the Day of Giving, there are so many ways for people to show their heart for our community.”

Fries also thanked Mayor Jared Carr and the City of Lebanon for formally recognizing the campaign.

“We are deeply grateful to Mayor Jared Carr and the City of Lebanon for recognizing Community Cares in this way and for helping us celebrate the incredible generosity that exists in our community,” Fries said. “We hope this proclamation encourages even more people to join us throughout September as we come together to support the local organizations that work every day to make Laclede County a better place to call home.”

More information about the Community Cares program, including ways to donate and participate in the 2026 campaign, is available at:

https://lafcares.org/communitycares/

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