Just three days left in Empty Stocking Fund drive
Dec. 20—LUMBERTON — Another $7,660 has been added to the Empty Stocking Fund bringing the new total to $63,075.
The new total means that more than 1,000 children will be served this year. There are just three days left to participate in this year's drive by donating.
This year's goal is to raise at least $123,840 for the fund, enough for families to receive a $60 voucher per eligible child, up $10 from the typical voucher allotment. At the end of the donation period, vouchers will be given 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.
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.
How to donate
There are three ways to make a donation; in person, through the mail or by credit card over the phone or online.
Donations should be made at The Robesonian offices at 2175 Roberts Ave., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
Mailed donations should be addressed to Lumber River United Way, c/o The Empty Stocking Fund, 2175 Roberts Ave., Lumberton, N.C., 28358.
To make a donation over the phone using a credit card, call either Linda Currie at 910-816-1980 or Clarissa Jackson at 910-416-5235. Donations can also be made online by going to www.lumberriveruw.org, clicking the donate button, filling out the necessary information and selecting Empty Stocking Fund-Robeson County.
If the gift is in honor or memory of someone, please 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.
Donors will receive a cash receipt for the current tax year. All donations will go to the Robeson County Department of Social Services.
Previous total...............$55,415
77. The lpsa Group, LLC........................................$200
78. Lumberton Area Chamber of Commerce.........$500
79. Troy and Brooks Taylor....................................$250
80. JoAnne and David Branch...............................$250
"In memory of Betty Nye."
81. Women's Ministry of Full Gospel Tabernacle..$120
82. Dell and David Walker.....................................$200
83. Rachel Cummings..............................................$20
"In memory of U.S. Veterans."
84. Rachel Cummings...............................................$20
"In memory of Andrew Cummings and Charles H. Oxendine."
85. Biggs Park Mall..................................................$250
86. Bo Biggs..............................................................$100
87. Sylvia Richardson..............................................$200
"In loving memory of David Richardson, M.D.; Monique and Delbert Taylor; and Lee Richardson."
88. Judy Jones..........................................................$250
89. Richard and Pam Townsend..............................$300
90. Robeson Pediatrics.............................................$5,000
"Merry Christmas and blessing from our family to yours."
New total...................$63,075
