Who We Are

Hope for Every Child, Opportunity for Every Future

Serving Northwest Arkansas families since 1984

Advancing Hope and Expanding Opportunity

Sharing & Caring of Benton County exists to enhance lives and empower futures by ensuring children and families have both immediate support and long-term opportunity. We envision a community where every family experiences hope at Christmas and every child has access to education, career pathways, and essential resources that build stability.

Through our Hope at Christmas program, Career Opportunity Fund scholarships, community drives, and annual fundraising events, we invest directly in Benton County families year-round. Every initiative is designed to strengthen our local community — not just for a season, but for generations to come.

Meet Our Team

Behind every program is a small but dedicated staff committed to serving our community with excellence, compassion, and integrity.

Thomas Blackwell

Thomas Blackwell

Executive Director
Alicia Bunn

Alicia Bunn

Business Development Manager
Katy Smith

Katy Smith

Community Coordinator
Cathleen Hood

Cathleen Hood

Operations Coordinator

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors brings leadership, expertise, and a deep commitment to strengthening Benton County. Their guidance ensures we remain mission-driven and community-focused.

Wendy Willianson

Wendy Williamson

President | Arvest
Wendy Willianson

Martin Mundo

Vice President | Walmart
Tiffany Lowe

Tiffany Lowe

Secretary | Walmart
Christine Joubert

Christine Joubert

Treasurer | Walmart
Joe Farnan

Joe Farnan

Director | E & J Gallo
Katie Holley

Katie Holley

Director | Upfield
Mehrdad Akbar

Mehrdad Akbar

Director | Walmart
Tony Arnone

Tony Arnone

Director | Anderson Merchandisers
Christ Nagelson

Traci Williams

Director | Walmart
Christ Nagelson

Brandi Mallard

Director | Brandi Mallard Real Estate
Andy Haingaertner

Andy Haingaertner

Director | Sunshine USA
Lance Cox

Lance Cox

Director | Cox Law Firm PLLC

Your Support Fuels Every Program

Be Part of the Impact

Every coat donated. Every scholarship funded. Every Christmas gift given. It all starts with community support. When you give to Sharing & Caring, you’re investing directly in Benton County children and families—today and for the future.

Upcoming Events

Our Year at a Glance

Sharing & Caring of Benton County serves children and families through year-round nonprofit programs, community initiatives, fundraising events, and volunteer opportunities. From Hope at Christmas to the Career Opportunity Fund, we provide essential support, education assistance, and local resources that strengthen Northwest Arkansas families. Explore our programs and discover how you can donate, volunteer, or partner to support children in Benton County.

February 1-28
Annual Coat Drive

Help us collect new & gently used coats, hats, gloves, & warm blankets to keep our community cozy. 

Apirl 9
NWA Gives

Inspire generosity & help us fundraise with ONE epic day of giving!

June 1-30
Personal Care Drive
Help us collect essential & other personal care items for teens in need.
June 25
Sharing & Paring

A wine pairing fundraiser featuring Walmart special guests & an exclusive atmosphere.

September 9-10
Annual Golf Tournament & 19TH Hole Par-Tee

Our biggest (award-winning!) annual fundraiser: TWO golf tournaments, dinner auction, & more.

October 15-31
Hope At Christmas: Family Interviews

Interview families applying for our Christmas assistance program.

October 15
Adopt & Shop Deadline

Last day apply to Adopt & Shop for a child in need at Christmas!

November 1-30
Stuffed Animal & Gift Wrap Drive

Donate or collect new stuffed animals & rolls of gift wrap.

November 30 - December 8
Distribution Day Prep

2 weeks. 300+ volunteers. 34 Christmas music playlists. It takes a village (read: small army) to organize gifts & necessities for over 3,000 kids!

December 11
Distribution Day

The GRAND FINALE: Families in our Christmas program receive their children’s gifts, food, & household essentials- a year of hard work brought to life, reflected in their joy.