(Ozark, MO) -- Wednesday was "go-time" for the Care to Learn program in Ozark.      It's meant to help school children get basic things the economy might be keeping them from accessing.

"Health, hunger, hygiene.  We're there to get it done," says Doug Pitt, Founder of Care to Learn.

The program launched in Springfield about a year and a half ago.  It's already expanded to several other cities.

Pitt was there for the kick-off at Upper Elementary School.  Ozark's superintendent says community members and businesses really stepped up this year with donations.
   
This year, the number of at-risk students getting free or reduced lunches has increased due to the economy.

"We know when the child is hungry, they can't concentrate.  We know when there's health issues, that becomes a real difficult thing for students with their peers and the classroom," says Dr. Gordan Pace, Ozark R-VI Superintendent.

The goal this year is to raise $40,000.  So far, the district has reached $12,000.