﻿<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<Return xmlns="http://www.irs.gov/efile" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.irs.gov/efile" returnVersion="2025v4.2">
  <ReturnHeader binaryAttachmentCnt="0">
    <ReturnTs>2026-08-31T16:42:56-05:00</ReturnTs>
    <TaxPeriodEndDt>2025-12-31</TaxPeriodEndDt>
    <PreparerFirmGrp>
      <PreparerFirmEIN>610920132</PreparerFirmEIN>
      <PreparerFirmName>
        <BusinessNameLine1Txt>RINEY HANCOCK CPAS PSC</BusinessNameLine1Txt>
      </PreparerFirmName>
      <PreparerUSAddress>
        <AddressLine1Txt>2900 VEACH ROAD SUITE 2</AddressLine1Txt>
        <CityNm>OWENSBORO</CityNm>
        <StateAbbreviationCd>KY</StateAbbreviationCd>
        <ZIPCd>42303</ZIPCd>
      </PreparerUSAddress>
    </PreparerFirmGrp>
    <ReturnTypeCd>990EZ</ReturnTypeCd>
    <TaxPeriodBeginDt>2025-01-01</TaxPeriodBeginDt>
    <Filer>
      <EIN>853453801</EIN>
      <BusinessName>
        <BusinessNameLine1Txt>SOUTHERN STAR CARES INC</BusinessNameLine1Txt>
      </BusinessName>
      <BusinessNameControlTxt>SOUT</BusinessNameControlTxt>
      <PhoneNum>2708525000</PhoneNum>
      <USAddress>
        <AddressLine1Txt>4700 STATE ROUTE 56</AddressLine1Txt>
        <CityNm>OWENSBORO</CityNm>
        <StateAbbreviationCd>KY</StateAbbreviationCd>
        <ZIPCd>42301</ZIPCd>
      </USAddress>
    </Filer>
    <BusinessOfficerGrp>
      <PersonNm>AARON CORLEY</PersonNm>
      <PersonTitleTxt>TREASURER</PersonTitleTxt>
      <PhoneNum>2708525000</PhoneNum>
      <SignatureDt>2026-08-13</SignatureDt>
      <DiscussWithPaidPreparerInd>1</DiscussWithPaidPreparerInd>
    </BusinessOfficerGrp>
    <PreparerPersonGrp>
      <PreparerPersonNm>J ADAM HANCOCK CPA</PreparerPersonNm>
      <PTIN>P00845403</PTIN>
      <PhoneNum>2709264540</PhoneNum>
      <PreparationDt>2026-08-13</PreparationDt>
    </PreparerPersonGrp>
    <TaxYr>2025</TaxYr>
  </ReturnHeader>
  <ReturnData documentCnt="5">
    <IRS990EZ documentId="RetDoc1234200001" referenceDocumentId="RetDoc1051800001 RetDoc2278000001">
      <MethodOfAccountingCashInd>X</MethodOfAccountingCashInd>
      <WebsiteAddressTxt>SOUTHERNSTAR.COM/SOUTHERN-STAR-CARES</WebsiteAddressTxt>
      <Organization501c3Ind referenceDocumentId="RetDoc1039100001">X</Organization501c3Ind>
      <TypeOfOrganizationCorpInd>X</TypeOfOrganizationCorpInd>
      <GrossReceiptsAmt>173923</GrossReceiptsAmt>
      <InfoInScheduleOPartIInd>X</InfoInScheduleOPartIInd>
      <ContributionsGiftsGrantsEtcAmt>173923</ContributionsGiftsGrantsEtcAmt>
      <TotalRevenueAmt>173923</TotalRevenueAmt>
      <GrantsAndSimilarAmountsPaidAmt>128245</GrantsAndSimilarAmountsPaidAmt>
      <TotalExpensesAmt>128245</TotalExpensesAmt>
      <ExcessOrDeficitForYearAmt>45678</ExcessOrDeficitForYearAmt>
      <NetAssetsOrFundBalancesBOYAmt>181285</NetAssetsOrFundBalancesBOYAmt>
      <OtherChangesInNetAssetsAmt>0</OtherChangesInNetAssetsAmt>
      <NetAssetsOrFundBalancesEOYAmt>226963</NetAssetsOrFundBalancesEOYAmt>
      <CashSavingsAndInvestmentsGrp>
        <BOYAmt>181285</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>226963</EOYAmt>
      </CashSavingsAndInvestmentsGrp>
      <Form990TotalAssetsGrp>
        <BOYAmt>181285</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>226963</EOYAmt>
      </Form990TotalAssetsGrp>
      <SumOfTotalLiabilitiesGrp>
        <BOYAmt>0</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>0</EOYAmt>
      </SumOfTotalLiabilitiesGrp>
      <NetAssetsOrFundBalancesGrp>
        <BOYAmt>181285</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>226963</EOYAmt>
      </NetAssetsOrFundBalancesGrp>
      <InfoInScheduleOPartIIIInd>X</InfoInScheduleOPartIIIInd>
      <PrimaryExemptPurposeTxt>THE ORGANIZATION INTENDS TO BROADEN CHARITABLE OUTREACH BY DONATING TO DIVERSE ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS THE FOOTPRINT OF SOUTHERN STAR CENTRAL GAS PIPELINE, INC.</PrimaryExemptPurposeTxt>
      <ProgramSrvcAccomplishmentGrp>
        <DescriptionProgramSrvcAccomTxt>SEVERAL GRANT APPLICATIONS FROM NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS WERE CONSIDERED WITH SOME SELECTED TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR.</DescriptionProgramSrvcAccomTxt>
        <GrantsAndAllocationsAmt>128245</GrantsAndAllocationsAmt>
        <ProgramServiceExpensesAmt>0</ProgramServiceExpensesAmt>
      </ProgramSrvcAccomplishmentGrp>
      <TotalProgramServiceExpensesAmt>0</TotalProgramServiceExpensesAmt>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>HEATHER CLARK</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>PRESIDENT</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>2.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>REBEKAH TANNER</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>VICE PRESIDENT</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>2.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>AARON CORLEY</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>SECRETARY</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>2.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>ADAM WALLACE</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>TREASURER</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>2.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>RITA DAMING</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>2.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>BUSTER ASHLEY</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>DIRECTOR</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>2.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>CHRIS HODGE</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>DIRECTOR</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>2.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>JENNY KELLY</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>DIRECTOR</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>2.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>STACI SWARTZ</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>DIRECTOR</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>2.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>RICARDO TORRES</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>DIRECTOR</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>2.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>CARLY WALTON</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>DIRECTOR</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>2.00</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <InfoInScheduleOPartVInd>X</InfoInScheduleOPartVInd>
      <ActivitiesNotPreviouslyRptInd>0</ActivitiesNotPreviouslyRptInd>
      <ChgMadeToOrgnzngDocNotRptInd>0</ChgMadeToOrgnzngDocNotRptInd>
      <OrganizationHadUBIInd>0</OrganizationHadUBIInd>
      <SubjectToProxyTaxInd>0</SubjectToProxyTaxInd>
      <OrganizationDissolvedEtcInd>0</OrganizationDissolvedEtcInd>
      <DirectIndirectPltclExpendAmt>0</DirectIndirectPltclExpendAmt>
      <MadeLoansToFromOfficersInd>0</MadeLoansToFromOfficersInd>
      <TaxImposedUnderIRC4911Amt>0</TaxImposedUnderIRC4911Amt>
      <TaxImposedUnderIRC4912Amt>0</TaxImposedUnderIRC4912Amt>
      <TaxImposedUnderIRC4955Amt>0</TaxImposedUnderIRC4955Amt>
      <EngagedInExcessBenefitTransInd>0</EngagedInExcessBenefitTransInd>
      <TaxImposedOnOrganizationMgrAmt>0</TaxImposedOnOrganizationMgrAmt>
      <TaxReimbursedByOrganizationAmt>0</TaxReimbursedByOrganizationAmt>
      <ProhibitedTaxShelterTransInd>0</ProhibitedTaxShelterTransInd>
      <BooksInCareOfDetail>
        <BusinessName>
          <BusinessNameLine1Txt>AARON CORLEY</BusinessNameLine1Txt>
        </BusinessName>
        <USAddress>
          <AddressLine1Txt>4700 STATE ROUTE 56</AddressLine1Txt>
          <CityNm>OWENSBORO</CityNm>
          <StateAbbreviationCd>KY</StateAbbreviationCd>
          <ZIPCd>42301</ZIPCd>
        </USAddress>
        <PhoneNum>2708525000</PhoneNum>
      </BooksInCareOfDetail>
      <ForeignFinancialAccountInd>0</ForeignFinancialAccountInd>
      <ForeignOfficeInd>0</ForeignOfficeInd>
      <DonorAdvisedFndsInd>0</DonorAdvisedFndsInd>
      <OperateHospitalInd>0</OperateHospitalInd>
      <TanningServicesProvidedInd>0</TanningServicesProvidedInd>
      <RelatedOrganizationCtrlEntInd>0</RelatedOrganizationCtrlEntInd>
      <PoliticalCampaignActyInd>0</PoliticalCampaignActyInd>
      <LobbyingActivitiesInd>0</LobbyingActivitiesInd>
      <SchoolOperatingInd>0</SchoolOperatingInd>
      <TrnsfrExmptNonChrtblRltdOrgInd>0</TrnsfrExmptNonChrtblRltdOrgInd>
      <PartVIOfCompOfHghstPdEmplTxt>NONE</PartVIOfCompOfHghstPdEmplTxt>
      <PartVIHghstPdCntrctProfSrvcTxt>NONE</PartVIHghstPdCntrctProfSrvcTxt>
      <FiledScheduleAInd>1</FiledScheduleAInd>
    </IRS990EZ>
    <IRS990ScheduleA documentId="RetDoc1039100001">
      <PublicOrganization170Ind>X</PublicOrganization170Ind>
      <GiftsGrantsContriRcvd170Grp>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>26162</CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>117356</CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>152785</CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearAmt>173923</CurrentTaxYearAmt>
        <TotalAmt>470226</TotalAmt>
      </GiftsGrantsContriRcvd170Grp>
      <TotalCalendarYear170Grp>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>26162</CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>117356</CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>152785</CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearAmt>173923</CurrentTaxYearAmt>
        <TotalAmt>470226</TotalAmt>
      </TotalCalendarYear170Grp>
      <SubstantialContributorsTotAmt>105832</SubstantialContributorsTotAmt>
      <PublicSupportTotal170Amt>364394</PublicSupportTotal170Amt>
      <TotalSupportAmt>470226</TotalSupportAmt>
      <First5Years170Ind>X</First5Years170Ind>
    </IRS990ScheduleA>
    <IRS990ScheduleB documentId="RetDoc1234500001">
      <ContributorInformationGrp>
        <ContributorNum>RESTRICTED</ContributorNum>
        <ContributorBusinessName>
          <BusinessNameLine1>RESTRICTED</BusinessNameLine1>
        </ContributorBusinessName>
        <ContributorUSAddress>
          <AddressLine1>RESTRICTED</AddressLine1>
          <AddressLine2>RESTRICTED</AddressLine2>
          <City>RESTRICTED</City>
          <State>RESTRICTED</State>
          <ZIPCode>RESTRICTED</ZIPCode>
        </ContributorUSAddress>
        <TotalContributionsAmt>RESTRICTED</TotalContributionsAmt>
      </ContributorInformationGrp>
    </IRS990ScheduleB>
    <IRS990ScheduleO documentId="RetDoc1051800001">
      <SupplementalInformationDetail>
        <FormAndLineReferenceDesc>FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 10 - GRANTS AND SIMILAR AMOUNTS PAID</FormAndLineReferenceDesc>
        <ExplanationTxt>ACTIVITY CLASSIFICATION: COMMUNITY SUPPORT. GRANTEE NAME: DANNHEISER FUND FOR KIDS. GRANTEE ADDRESS: 656 RIDGEWOOD ST. OWENSBORO, KY 42301. AMOUNT GIVEN: 2,737.</ExplanationTxt>
      </SupplementalInformationDetail>
      <SupplementalInformationDetail>
        <FormAndLineReferenceDesc>FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 10 - GRANTS AND SIMILAR AMOUNTS PAID</FormAndLineReferenceDesc>
        <ExplanationTxt>ACTIVITY CLASSIFICATION: COMMUNITY SUPPORT. GRANTEE NAME: CROSSROADS INC. GRANTEE ADDRESS: 2400 FRIENDSHIP DR. STE. B OWENSBORO, KY 42303. AMOUNT GIVEN: 3,078.</ExplanationTxt>
      </SupplementalInformationDetail>
      <SupplementalInformationDetail>
        <FormAndLineReferenceDesc>FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 10 - GRANTS AND SIMILAR AMOUNTS PAID</FormAndLineReferenceDesc>
        <ExplanationTxt>ACTIVITY CLASSIFICATION: COMMUNITY SUPPORT. GRANTEE NAME: SHEPHERD'S HAND. GRANTEE ADDRESS: 2413 WINNING COLORS WAY OWENSBORO, KY 42301. AMOUNT GIVEN: 9,500.</ExplanationTxt>
      </SupplementalInformationDetail>
      <SupplementalInformationDetail>
        <FormAndLineReferenceDesc>FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 10 - GRANTS AND SIMILAR AMOUNTS PAID</FormAndLineReferenceDesc>
        <ExplanationTxt>ACTIVITY CLASSIFICATION: COMMUNITY SUPPORT. GRANTEE NAME: THRUSTON-PHILPOT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT. GRANTEE ADDRESS: 2592 REID RD. OWENSBORO, KY 42303. AMOUNT GIVEN: 9,573.</ExplanationTxt>
      </SupplementalInformationDetail>
      <SupplementalInformationDetail>
        <FormAndLineReferenceDesc>FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 10 - GRANTS AND SIMILAR AMOUNTS PAID</FormAndLineReferenceDesc>
        <ExplanationTxt>ACTIVITY CLASSIFICATION: COMMUNITY SUPPORT. GRANTEE NAME: FRESH START FOR WOMEN. GRANTEE ADDRESS: PO BOX 1386 OWENSBORO, KY 42302. AMOUNT GIVEN: 10,000.</ExplanationTxt>
      </SupplementalInformationDetail>
      <SupplementalInformationDetail>
        <FormAndLineReferenceDesc>FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 10 - GRANTS AND SIMILAR AMOUNTS PAID</FormAndLineReferenceDesc>
        <ExplanationTxt>ACTIVITY CLASSIFICATION: COMMUNITY SUPPORT. GRANTEE NAME: PUZZLE PIECES. GRANTEE ADDRESS: 2401 NEW HARTFORD RD. OWENSBORO, KY 42303. AMOUNT GIVEN: 20,000.</ExplanationTxt>
      </SupplementalInformationDetail>
      <SupplementalInformationDetail>
        <FormAndLineReferenceDesc>FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 10 - GRANTS AND SIMILAR AMOUNTS PAID</FormAndLineReferenceDesc>
        <ExplanationTxt>ACTIVITY CLASSIFICATION: COMMUNITY SUPPORT. GRANTEE NAME: WHITESVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. GRANTEE ADDRESS: PO BOX 155 OWENSBORO, KY 42378. AMOUNT GIVEN: 23,357.</ExplanationTxt>
      </SupplementalInformationDetail>
      <SupplementalInformationDetail>
        <FormAndLineReferenceDesc>FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 10 - GRANTS AND SIMILAR AMOUNTS PAID</FormAndLineReferenceDesc>
        <ExplanationTxt>ACTIVITY CLASSIFICATION: COMMUNITY SUPPORT. GRANTEE NAME: SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER OF OWENSBORO-DAVIESS GRANTEE NAME: SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER OF OWENSBORO-DAVIESS. GRANTEE ADDRESS: 1650 W. 2ND ST. OWENSBORO, KY 42301. AMOUNT GIVEN: 50,000. TOTAL INCLUDED ON FORM 990-EZ, LINE 10: 128,245.</ExplanationTxt>
      </SupplementalInformationDetail>
    </IRS990ScheduleO>
    <TransferPrsnlBnftContractsDecl documentId="RetDoc2278000001">
      <DeclarationDesc>THE ORGANIZATION DID NOT, DURING THE YEAR, RECEIVE ANY FUNDS, DIRECTLY,OR INDIRECTLY, TO PAY PREMIUMS ON A PERSONAL BENEFIT CONTRACT.THE ORGANIZATION, DID NOT, DURING THE YEAR, PAY ANY PREMIUMS, DIRECTLY,OR INDIRECTLY, ON A PERSONAL BENEFIT CONTRACT.</DeclarationDesc>
    </TransferPrsnlBnftContractsDecl>
  </ReturnData>
</Return>