It was hard to pass an opportunity to support a worthwhile cause.

That’s the thought process for the staff of Carter County Farm Bureau, especially with the annual St. Jude Children’s Hospital partnership starting to pick up traction across Tennessee.

For 2018, Farm Bureau is once again partnering with the hospital to help support the cause of developing cures for children’s diseases.

Supporting the cause is simple. Individuals have until the end of November to stop by their local Farm Bureau office to purchase a new Farmer Charlie hat for $10 each. With each purchase, the insurance agency will donate 100 percent of the proceeds to the hospital. People who purchase a hat are encouraged to highlight the initiative by snapping a “selfie” and placing the photo on social media with the hashtag #teamFBITN.

Supporting the cause is near and dear to the hearts of employees at the facility.

“We’re really proud to be partnered up with St. Jude again this year,” said Daniel Grindstaff. “This is close to my heart. I have a boy that’s five years old. All those kids that are down there and receiving treatment… they’ve been able to do so because of the hospital. It is a huge deal to be part of the state campaign.”

Grindstaff stays active while working from the Carter County office but also lends a helping hand throughout the community in various projects, including the Covered Bridge Celebration.

And that helping hand thought process resonates with the community. Tim King, agency manager for the county, stated the county office was able to make waves in raising money last year and was one of the top offices to distribute hearts. The ability to do so was thanks in part to the surrounding community. The county’s region was also one of the top areas across the state to raise funds for the hospital.

According to information provided by the hospital, all families that enter St. Jude do not receive a bill. When the facility opened in 1962, only around 20 percent of partitions survived. Now, the number is approximately 80 percent.

“It costs $2 million a day to run St. Jude’s. That $10 can go and make a difference in the life of a child,” King said. “Last year, I believe we were all able to raise around $260,000 and our goal is to surpass that this year.”

To contribute to the cause, stop by the county office during regular business hours.