Alyse McMinn, Director of the Carl Perkins Center, expressed great appreciation towards Leadership Carroll County on Wednesday, February 11, when they dropped off a large donation of books and hygiene products.
It was part of a class project coordinated through the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, and came at a good time for the center, which was running low on books, according to McMinn.
“You don’t even realize how big of a blessing these books are for us,” she told the group. “It’s such a huge thing for us to be able to provide these for the kids.”
The Carl Perkins Center gives books to clients who complete therapy as encouragement that their trauma does not define them, according to McMinn.
Members of the 2026 Leadership Carroll County class came together to fund the purchase, which included 234 books and a large variety of hygiene products.
“It turned into a great project for everyone,” said McKenzie Police Chief Ryan White, who is a member of Leadership Carroll County.
Chamber of Commerce President Brad Hurley explained that this year’s class returned to having groups complete service projects with specific requirements.
“The challenges on the project was it had to be countywide, from all across the county, and it had to be what we call ‘one and done’,” Hurley said.
The Carl Perkins Center serves children ages 3 to 18 who have experienced severe physical or sexual abuse in Carroll and surrounding counties.
They provide forensic interviews, therapy, medical exams, victim advocacy, and family support.
“We really try to create a space for our families that are coming in so that they feel welcomed,” McMinn said. “It’s a whole lot, and we just want them to feel like they’re in a safe place.”
The center also operates a food pantry when they can. During November and December of 2025, they served more than 50 families.
McMinn thanked the Leadership Carroll County class for their generosity and community support.
“We truly rely on our community, so we’re very thankful for everybody who comes in and helps us,” she said.
Additionally, McMinn announced that the center will host a pork tenderloin lunch fundraiser on March 9.
Pre-sale orders are $10 and available through March 5. Delivery is available for orders of six or more.
For more information, contact the Carl Perkins Center. (731)986-5920
