A gift from a Lumberton city councilman and his wife is the largest of four new donations today for The Empty Stocking Fund that add a cool $1,000 to its total, checking another 20 children off Santa’s list.

Leroy and Betty Rising made the $500 donation in honor their grandchildren, Will and Britt.

Also of note is a $25o donation from Pembroke Kiwanians that is made in honor of the club’s long-time treasurer, Mr. Albert Hunt.

All four gifts today are for at least $50, so each will be matched by a gift of that amount.

If you are planning on donating to the fund, please hurry to do so. The fund is well behind last year’s effort at the same time in the process, and our hope is to raise more money because more children are registered this year.

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 ………….…$9,130

34. In honor of our grandsons Will and Britt, from Leroy and Betty Rising ……. $500

35. In memory of Frank, from anonymous……………$50

36. In honor of Donnie Douglas, from anonymous ……….$200

37. In honor of long time treasurer Mr. Albert Hunt, from the Kiwanis of Pembroke ……. $250

New total……………… $10,130

Leroy Rising presents a $500 gift to Denise Ward, the interim publisher and advertising director for The Robesonian, which is made in honor of his and wife Betty’s grandsons, Will and Britt.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_rising.jpgLeroy Rising presents a $500 gift to Denise Ward, the interim publisher and advertising director for The Robesonian, which is made in honor of his and wife Betty’s grandsons, Will and Britt.