There are 10 new contributions to The Empty Stocking Fund, which is the most we have received on a single day during this campaign, and they add $1,825 to the effort to provide Christmas presents to needy children.

We hope that this indicates that contributions are on the upswing as we have a long way to go if we are going to help all the children registered to receive help.

The largest gift today is for $500 and comes from First Baptist Church on North Main Street in Fairmont, and then there is a $400 gift from Bethesda United Methodist Church Women. We also want to mention a $250 gift from Jan Gane in honor of the Rancke family, who have a history of being very kind in their donations to The Empty Stocking Fund.

There is now $11,955 in the fund, but there is another $2,300 in matching money that will be added to the total on the final day.

We will need to reach $73,250 to serve all 1,465 children deemed eligible by the Department of Social Services to receive help from The Empty Stocking Fund. We plan to stop taking donations on Dec. 22.

We have two locations for those wishing to donate in person, including at our flood-damaged office at 2175 Roberts Ave. Ask for Clarissa Jackson, who is located in a trailer beside the building.

The other is at 325 E. Fourth St. in downtown Lumberton, which is now home to our News, Circulation and Advertising departments. Ask for either Tammy Oxendine or Amanda Revels.

As always, checks can be mailed to The Robesonian, c/o Empty Stocking Fund, 2175 Roberts Ave., Lumberton, N.C., 28358.

We will publish a photograph with gifts of $500 or more when that request is made. To give yourself the best chance of that photograph appearing on page 1A, get your donation in early. Call Editor Donnie Douglas at 910-374-9317 or 910-416-5649 to set up a photograph for a contribution of $500 or more.

The money provides a $50 voucher for each eligible child that can be redeemed at Roses, either the Lumberton store or the one in Fairmont.

Previous total ………….…$10,130

38. Redstone Hayswood Alumni Association Inc. ……$100

39. Dianne and Barry Youngs……. $100

40. Linda and Robert Biggs ……….$25

41. Monette Singletary ………..$150

42. Joy and Stephen Bukowy …………$100

43. In memory of Gilbert and Bert Stephenson, from Chris W. Stephenson …….$100.00

44. Bethesda United Methodist Church Women …….$400

45. In memory of Thomas and Joyce Long, from Pamela and Gordon Britt ……$100

46. In honor of the Rancke family, from Jan Gane ……..$250

47. First Baptist Church, North Main Street, Fairmont………..$500

New total………………$11,955

Miranda Gilchrist, right, the treasurer of First Baptist Church on North Main Street in Fairmont, presents Clarissa Jackson, an administrative assistant for The Robesonian, with a $500 check for The Empty Stocking Fund.
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_Dr-Miranda-Gilchrist1-1.jpgMiranda Gilchrist, right, the treasurer of First Baptist Church on North Main Street in Fairmont, presents Clarissa Jackson, an administrative assistant for The Robesonian, with a $500 check for The Empty Stocking Fund.

Staff Report