Panola County’s chance to help four small children will come up in about two weeks.

On Saturday, May 1 starting at 10 a.m. at the multi-purpose building near Wal-Mart, Panola Countians will get the opportunity to help raise money for Adam Connor, Josh Mackey, Kaitlyn Herron and Levi Taylor’s medical expenses through the 2004 Answered Prayer Benefit.

The Answered Prayer Benefit is a collective effort between founder Charles West, The Batesville Kiwanis Club, The City of Batesville, South Panola Lions Club, Batesville Lions Club, Batesville Civitan Club and the Dream Riders.

West who came up with idea for the benefit during the Christmas season of 2000, said this is his way of helping the ones who need the most help.

"I prayed about it and asked God what I could do to help some children I heard about," he said. "The idea for the benefit came to me later in the night."

West said the event has gotten bigger each year as it tries to help more children.

"We have reached a point where we have a committee to screen the applications we have coming in," he said. "That committee is made up of members from the civic organizations helping with the event."

This year the money raised will be split to help Connor who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Mackey who suffers from seizures as result of a stroke he had at 3 months old, Herron was diagnosed with Tricustid Stenosis/Pulmonary Stenosis and Taylor who suffers from Pierre Robin Syndrome.

"We have picked four wonderful children," West said. "And they all come from hard working families.

"Our goal is just to help them with the bills that can get out of control," he said.

The money will be disbursed over the year whenever a medical situation arises, West said. It will not be awarded in one lump some.