There is so much good news today, we don’t know where to start, but will begin with the bottom line.
Thirty-six new gifts add more than $20,000 to the fund, pushing its total to $48,197.80 — and making the goal of raising $62,700 to serve all 1,254 children a certainty.
In fact, we might call an end to contributions today or Wednesday even though we have set Thursday at 5 p.m. as the deadline. We will speak with officials at the Department of Social Services to see if they want to serve some needy children who were removed from the list and then decide.
There are just too many notable gifts to mention today, but one, for $7,500, came with a request that this Bible verse be included with it: “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”
Gladly done.
There are nine gifts today for at least $500, including one for $2,671.80 from the Village Chapel of Bald Head Island, a group that also brought people to the county to help with the task of cleaning out homes after Hurricane Matthew.
Although we are $13,782.20 short of goal, we need just 15 more gifts of $50 or more to take full advantage of a $7,500 matching gift. We are also aware of at least two other substantial contributions that will take us to our goal.
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 or Tammy Oxendine, who are located in a trailer beside the building.
The other is at 325 E. Fourth St. in downtown Lumberton, which is a temporary home to our News, Circulation and Advertising departments. Ask for Amanda Revels.
It is too late to contribute by mail.
The money provides a $50 voucher for each eligible child that can be redeemed at Roses, either at the Lumberton store or the one in Fairmont.
Previous total ……. $27,655
99. In loving memory of our deceased parents, Mr. Percy Hill Sr. and Mrs. Julia S Hill, from Fred and Grace Hill ……$50
100. In loving memory of our deceased parents, Mr John W. Bullard and Mrs. Carlena H Bullard, from Fred & Grace Hill …..$50
101. In loving memory of our deceased grandparents, Mr. Percy Hill Sr. and Mrs. Julia S. Hill, rom Sadarryle Hill-Rhone and Kenneth Rhone…….. $50
102. In loving memory of our deceased grandparents, Mr. John W. Bullard and Mrs. Carlena H. Bullard, from Sadarryle Hill-Rhone and Kenneth Rhone….. $50
103. In memory of our son, Jason Webb, and in honor of our amazing daughter Toni Marie Sanderson and her precious family………..$250
104. UNCP Incubator…………$671
105. In honor of kids and grandkids, Terry and Nancy Wilkerson-…………$100
106. Harvey Godwin, 0wner of Two Hawk Employment Services…………$500
107. “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God,” Mark 10:14…………$7,500
108. In memory for Jean Kersey, from Linda & Gerald Leggett…………$100
109. Anonymous………..$500
110. Rob Redfearn……….$50
111. Godwin Heights WMU Baptist Church…………$1,600
112. From Smithfield Homeowners Association…………$1,000
113. Anonymous………..$1,000
114. Speech Solutions………$200
115. In memory of EV & Fairah Britt, Ippie and Emma Lou Britt, from Steve, Nancy and Kyle Britt……….$200
116. Anonymous from Nash County………..$400
117. From Aubrey Oxendine………..$50
118. From Womens Silent Voices Full Gospel Tabernacle…………$200
119. Pentecostal Faith of God Church of Lumberton for Children for Christmas…………..$100
120. In memory of Lynn Flowers and Glen Wilcox, from Barbara Allen………..$200
121. James and Ernestine Haskins………..$100
122. From residents of Raynham………..$25
123. In honor of my grandson, Billy Dever, graduate of 2016 ECU, from Essie Jones………..$50
124. In honor of my wonderful mother Chris Stephenson, from Amy Stephenson Fleishman………..$200
125. John Lawrence……….$300
126. In memory of Albert M. Sharpe. from Kathryn Phillips………..$125
127. Gift from Emanon SS class……250
128. Barbara Kizer………..$1,000
129. William Culbreth………..$400
130. Baltimore Baptist Church Golden Girls, In memory of Charles Grimsley………..$200
131. In memory of my dad, Mr, Brantley Oxendine Sr, from Brantley Oxendine Jr………..$200
132. Village Chapel of Bald Head Island………..$2,671.80
133. Anonymous………..$50
134. Thankful for family from Merle and Ann Summer………..$50
135. Matrons Guild………..$100
New total ……….$48,197.80
