Empty Stocking Fund drive raises $108k
Dec. 23—LUMBERTON — We did it!
We needed a Christmas miracle and thanks to your generous giving this week plus some reserved funds, we were able to reach our Empty Stocking Fund goal of $123,840.
Since we last reported, more than $38,000 in donations came in bringing our final total to $108,182. With the help of reserved funds from the generosity bestowed in previous years, we were able to reach the goal of serving more than 2,064 eligible children.
This year's goal is enough for families to receive a $60 voucher per eligible child, up $10 from the typical voucher allotment. Vouchers were distributed by the Robeson County Department of Social Services on a first-come, first-served basis until the fund was exhausted. Those vouchers can be redeemed at either the Roses store in Lumberton or the Roses Express in Fairmont.
This year, we reported 119 donors. We want to thank our last-minute donors, the employees of the City of Lumberton, our longtime giver the Robeson County Regional Agricultural Fair, Cape Fear Construction, the Sandtree Church of God, RE/MAX Real Estate Exchange, Mission Foot & Ankle and our anonymous donor who delivered our largest gift yet of $25,000. Please view our other significant donors down below!
Without you all, this Christmas miracle would not be possible. Thanks on behalf of The Robesonian, Lumber River United Way and the Robeson County DSS.
The Empty Stocking Fund was established in the late 1970s to help children who might otherwise not have any presents to open on Christmas Day. Since 1996, the fund has raised about $1.8 million, enough to help about 36,000 children.
Previous total...............$69,875
98. Gary Davis.........................................................$100
"In memory of Jimmy Harrington."
99. Katherine Martin and Susan Guy......................$100
"In loving memory of Anne and John Culbreth."
100. Anonymous........................................................$100
101. Cape Fear Construction......................................$500
102. Jessica Drake.......................................................$25
103. RE/MAX Real Estate Exchange.........................$2,500
104. Anonymous.........................................................$25
"In honor of Margaret Crites."
105. Donna Locklear....................................................$200
"In memory of Donald Bullard from his grandkids."
106. Anonymous............................................................$400
107. Redstone Hayswood Alumni Association..............$100
108. Progressive Garden Club........................................$100
109. Robeson County Regional Agricultural Fair..........$1,000
110. City of Lumberton employees.................................$692
111. Dianne Locklear.......................................................$400
"In memory of my mom, grandmother, and baby grandson."
112. James and Judy Driscoll..........................................$250
113. Deborah Locklear.....................................................$25
114. Floyd Mortuary & Crematory...................................$500
114. Joy Jones...................................................................$50
115. Pamela Wright..........................................................$120
116. Gosnold N. Floyd Jr. and Boys................................$100
"In memory of Mae P. Hill Floyd."
117. Sandtree Church of God...........................................$6,000
"Jesus is the reason for the season."
118. Tomeika Munn...........................................................$20
119. Anonymous...............................................................$25,000
New total...................$108,182
