About ERNCF

Gold star with sketchy lines and radiating strokes on a black background.

Our vision is to ensure every child in East Ridge is not forgotten

A boy in a white hoodie and shorts is smiling and reaching for a toy car on a shelf filled with various toy cars and boxed toys, with open boxes on the floor containing more toys, in a storage room or warehouse.
Two young girls in green shirts opening Christmas presents with plush toys, sitting on a bed with more wrapped gifts, in a festive decorated room with a Christmas tree and holiday decorations.
Gold-colored hand-drawn star with radiating lines on black background.

Our mission is networking with community partners to provide resources for the neediest of our youngest citizens and their families.

A woman and girl smiling while holding a cardboard sign that says 'Thank You' at a gathering or event.

Our Story

ERNCF began with a simple act of kindness.

Years ago, the East Ridge Police Department started collecting donations to help local children in need. Officers saw firsthand the challenges many families faced — children without proper clothing, school supplies, or even gifts during the holidays. They stepped in to make sure those children weren’t forgotten.

What started as a grassroots effort by our local police soon grew as more community members, businesses, and churches joined in. The need was greater than anyone imagined, but so was the generosity of East Ridge.

In August 2017, the East Ridge Needy Child Fund was officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity, with nonprofit status retroactive to December 2016. This milestone gave us the ability to expand our reach, organize fundraising more effectively, and partner with other organizations to meet growing needs.

Since then, hundreds of children and families in East Ridge have received vital support — from school supplies and warm coats to emergency shelter, food, and holiday gifts.

Today, ERNCF is a trusted resource in our community. Families, schools, and even city employees know they can call on us when a child is in need. What began with the compassion of local police officers has grown into a lasting mission: ensuring that no child in East Ridge is forgotten.

You can be part of this story. Share our mission with friends, follow along on social media, or make a donation today. Together, we can bring hope and joy to even more children in East Ridge.

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A decorated Christmas float in a parade with a sign saying "Merry Christmas" on it, featuring plush toys, presents, and festive decorations. A woman dressed in a Dalmatian costume stands to the side, and a white classic car is visible behind the float.
A shopping cart filled with toys and boxed items in a store aisle. The visible toys include a Disney character plush and a Garfield movie boxed set.
Gold star with sketchy lines and radiating lines on black background.
Four people in Christmas costumes posing for a selfie in front of a decorated, lit Christmas display. One person is dressed as a Grinch, another as the Grinch's dog Max, and the others as Santa and a snowman, all smiling.

Need a Helping Hand?

If you are a parent, guardian, or caregiver in East Ridge who needs help for a child, we are here for you. We know asking for help isn’t easy — but please know you’re not alone. Our mission is to make sure every child in East Ridge is cared for and remembered.

To request assistance, please complete the form below.

Once submitted, a member of our team will review your request and connect with you as soon as possible

Get started
Group of five people posing under a Christmas light display with an elf costume, colorful decorations, and lights.
Three people standing in front of a colorful Christmas decorated arch with lights and ornaments, featuring a woman on the left wearing a black jacket holding a donation bucket, a person in the middle dressed as the Grinch in a green costume and a Chr
Four people taking a selfie in front of a decorated Christmas display. The woman in the front is smiling and wearing a Santa hat. The second woman on the left is smiling and wearing glasses. A person dressed as the Grinch with a Santa hat stands behi
A group of people, including men in vests with patches and some wearing hats, women in various outfits, and individuals in wheelchairs, gathered inside a stone building with large windows. They are standing or sitting on stairs, posing for a group ph
Group of five women and one man standing behind a table at an indoor event. The group is smiling for the photo. Background includes brick walls and other people.
A shopping cart filled with children's toys including a doll, various toy vehicles, and a toy medical kit, inside a store aisle.
A boy in a white hoodie and shorts smiling and reaching up to touch a toy car on a shelf filled with various toy cars and boxed toys, with open boxes on the floor.
Two women standing on either side of a large, festive Christmas display with illuminated decorations including a snowman, a penguin, a Christmas tree, and a candy cane. The scene is decorated with bright lights, ornaments, and wrapped presents.
Shopping cart filled with toys including a large pink Barbie Dreamhouse box, a Garfield movie plush, assorted stuffed animals, and small toy boxes, with snack packages on top.
Multiple off-road vehicles parked outside a building, including a beige Jeep with various plush toy characters in the windows and a large plush Taz character attached to the front, alongside a red Jeep and a white vehicle with visible plush toys on t
Group of nine people dressed in Christmas-themed clothing standing in a line outside a metal building with a large open door, with Santa Claus in the center.
Float decorated with colorful lights, gift boxes, and a sign that reads 'TO: A NEEDY CHILD' during a nighttime parade, celebrating the holidays.
Row of parked vehicles, including Jeep Wranglers, in front of a restaurant named Crazy Daisy under a cloudy sky. There are billboards and a traffic cone in the parking lot.
A decorated float with Christmas theme on a street, featuring elves, stuffed animals, and a sign that reads 'Merry Christmas.'
Group of nine people dressed in holiday attire standing outside in front of a metal building with an open door. Santa Claus is in the center with a woman dressed as an elf to his right. Some people are wearing red shirts and Christmas-themed clothing
Group of people gathered in a large indoor space with a stone wall and big windows in the background. The group includes individuals in casual and formal attire, some with beards, glasses, and various accessories. There are patches and insignias on s