Communities In Schools (CIS) of Moore County was recently awarded a $33,789 grant from the Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Carolina (RMHC of NC) to provide funds for four separate programs to help kids stay in school and succeed.

The programs include the CIS Community Career Academy that supports local at-risk high school students in exploring career opportunities; CIS SOAR, an after-school program for children in need of a little extra help to succeed; CIS Compass Mentoring Program that pairs middle school students at risk of failing with community volunteers; and the CIS FirstSchool Gardens, which supports students in developing lifelong nutrition and fitness behaviors through the planting and raising of a garden.

"Giving back to the communities where we live and work is important to us as McDonald's owners," said Martha Butler. She and her husband Frank own McDonald's in Aberdeen and Carthage. "These programs really make a difference in the lives of hundreds of children who might otherwise fall through the cracks and not become productive members of society. CIS helps kids stay in school, succeed in school and be better prepared for life. That's why this organization is so important for us to support."

CIS of Moore County is hosting its third annual golf tournament, "Fore Kids Sake." on Thursday, Aug. 27, at Pinehurst No. 8, the Centennial Course.

Representatives from McDonald's and RMHC of NC will be on hand to present the grant check to CIS.

CIS is the nation's largest dropout prevention organization. More information is available on its Web site at www.cismoore.org.