There are two numbers we ask people to keep in mind.
One is 1,895, and the other is $94,750.
The first is the number of children that the staff at the Department of Social Services has determined are qualified to receive help from the Empty Stocking Fund, and the second is the amount of money that would have to be raised in order to provide each child $50 worth of Christmas presents.
We have never raised that much money before in a single campaign, so for it to happen this year, we need new people to give, and those who have given historically to consider giving more. We will push hard for that to happen all the way until the end.
Today there are five donations to report, which push the fund’s total to $3,750. All are for at least $50, meaning each will be matched with a $50 donation from an anonymous benefactor.
The Robesonian has returned to its office at 2175 Roberts Ave., so if you want to drop off a donation in person, come see us and our newly renovated building.
The newspaper is able to take donations over the phone by credit card. To do so, call either Tammy Oxendine at 910-816-1980, Amanda Revels at 910-416-5872 or Clarissa Jackson at 910-416-5235.
Another way to make a donation is through the mail. Send to The Robesonian, c/o The Empty Stocking Fund, 2175 Roberts Ave., Lumberton, N.C., 28358. If the gift is in honor or memory of someone, provide that information and it will be included. The Robesonian will publish photographs that accompany donations of $500 or more if that request is made.
Each eligible child will receive a $50 voucher on a first-come, first-served basis until the fund is exhausted. Those vouchers can be redeemed at either the Roses store in Lumberton or the Roses Express in Fairmont.
For information regarding the Empty Stocking Fund, call Donnie Douglas, editor of The Robesonian, at 910-416-5649.
Previous balance ……… $3,300
17. Dr. Stan Smith, in honor of Ashpole Center UMC …….$50.00
18. Linda and Don Metzger, in honor of the Rancke family ………$100.00
19. Carey and Joanna Read ………$100.00
20. In honor of Kathryn and Donald Miller and family …….$100.00
21. In honor of Allison and Chris DeSmit and family …..$100.00
New total ………………………………………. $3,750