An organization of women in the Lake Fork area of Rains and Wood Counties was founded approximately twelve years ago as part of the Rains Chamber of Commerce to welcome new residents. From that premise was born the Lake Country Neighbors (LCN). LCN expanded the purpose from a purely social group to an outreach organization involved in civic, educational, and social activities. LCN achieved 501(c)(3) tax exempt status in April 2011.
Scholarships to local graduating seniors have totaled over $200,000 as of year 2022. An annual Mardi Gras Celebration is one source of revenue but generous donations have made the Lake Country Neighbors' Scholarship Fund possible.
LCN hosts a local Savor the Flavor event which invites all the local restaurants and caterers to sample their fare to the local community. Residents have enjoyed a bountiful meal while the restaurants get great advertising.
School support is a year-long project with items supplied to Alba-Golden, Rains County, and Yantis Public Schools. A close relationship with school counselors and LCN members helps supplement students with personal and school items when needed.
In early summer we celebrate our veterans with an old fashioned hamburger and hot dog cookout in the park or a BBQ lunch at a local facility. The day is filled with patriotic songs, flags flying high, and a feeling of gratitude for the sacrifices these veterans have made. All veterans are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Lake Country Neighbors provides Christmas for the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) kids each year. From generous members' hearts, every child in the program is given a suitcase filled with clothes and toys plus a personalized stocking filled with goodies.
We do what we can to assist the organizations we support. In years past, a truly fun event has been the barbecue and pig roast sponsored by LCN. Organizations such as the Boy Scouts, 4H members, and local food banks have benefited from $25,000 raised at the community-attended day of food and celebration.
Women who are residents or part-time residents are welcome to join the organization. Meetings are usually the first Thursday of each month. Meeting locations are announced in the Rains County Leader, a local newspaper, and posted here on our Calendar and Events Page. For more information, please email us at lakecountryneighbors@gmail.com or submit a contact form from this website.