As we expected, donations to the Empty Stocking Fund surged on deadline day, with more than 40 gifts received.

But none captured the spirit of Christmas any better than a woman who walked in, announced she had been praying about giving a gift to the fund, and was convinced that God wanted her to do so.

She then wrote a gift for $5,000, handed it to an employee at The Robesonian, and said to list the gift under “Anonymous.” The Robesonian’s employee reaction of sheer joy prompted the woman to say, “Now I know I did the right thing.”

There were 129 gifts of at least $25, which added a match of $3,225 from a benefactor who has chosen to remain anonymous.

The last-minute rush almost doubled the fund’s total, adding more than $24,000, and pushing the figure to $51,798.10, enough to provide Christmas for 1,035.96 children. But because there are no .96 children out there, an employee of The Robesonian added an additional $1.90, pushing the fund to $51,800 even, enough to provide Christmas for exactly 1,036 children.

Despite the economy, the fund’s total this year is the third highest for the Empty Stocking Fund since it was established about 30 years ago.

We want to again express our appreciation to all of those who open their hearts and their purse strings to support this effort. We at The Robesonian consider it a privilege to be in a position to help raise money to provide Christmas to needy children who otherwise would have no presents to open on Christmas Day. But we are always mindful that we are just the middle man in the process, that the fund depends on the benevolence of Robesonians who understand what Christmas is truly about, and the staff at the Department of Social Services who put their own holiday on hold to make sure that vouchers are delivered to the needy families.

And with that, Merry Christmas to all.

Previous balance ...... $27,518.10

124. In memory of Cottie Bell Carter, from children ...... $50

125. In memory of Weldon and Elvie (Sis), from children ...... $50

126. LHS Guidance Office ...... $20

127. In memory of our parents, Al and Marilyn Threewitts ...... $100

128. Marietta Community Christmas Benefit Program: Dr. John Campbell, pastor Ebenezer Baptist Church, Mrs. Gwen Colvins, St. Pauls AME Church, Mrs. Bobbie Rooker, Turner Station AME Church ...... $2,000

129. Grosnold and Mae Floyd ...... $125

130. Trinity United Methodist Church - Fairmont, Fanny Crosby Sunday School Class ...... $50

131. In loving memory of Virginia Carol Locklear from Village Inn Restaurant ...... $500

132. In memory of Willie “Ponk” Bell ...... $25

133. Anonymous ...... $1,000

134. In honor of our five grandchildren, from Leon and Jennifer Smith ...... $150

135. To honor Lucas and Laura Granger ...... $100

136. Spencer McKee ...... $100

137. Anonymous ...... $20

138. Fairmont Presbyterian Women, Fairmont ...... $100

139. In memory of Annie Mae McLean ...... $25

140. Sarah O. Griffin-Greene ...... $50

141. In memory of Esther Lowery, Archie M. Lowery, and Candis Tuttle ...... $75

142. Anonymous ...... $150

143. Mary and Lee Werner ...... $1,200

144. Yamaha of Lumberton ...... $500

145. Doris H. Hall ...... $100

146. James H. Locklear, 7th District ...... $60

147. Lela Anne’s Learning Center ...... $500

148. The Career Class at East Lumberton Church of God ...... $100

149. Mark Moses ...... $10

150. Trudy McLeod ...... $10

151. Stacy Yongue ...... $10

152. Benny Chavis ...... $10153. Employees of Lumberton Emergency Medical Services ...... $180

154. Anonymous ...... $5,000

155. City of Lumberton ...... $550

156. In loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Percy Hill Sr. from Fred and Grace Hill ...... $500

157. In memory of Jason Webb, from Debbie and Tony ...... $100

158. In memory of Howard Lewis and Jason Webb, from Joyce Lewis ...... $50

159. Anonymous ...... $775

160. First Baptist Church, North Main Street, Fairmont, the Rev. Chester Hopkins ...... $500

161. In memory of Gary Powers ...... $5,000

162. For the Turkey Bowl ...... $100

163. Thurmond and Mary Roberts ...... $50

164. A friend ...... $10

165. Anonymous ...... $1,000

166. From Michael and Pam Chaudhuri, in memory of their granddaughter, Katie Hardin ...... $50

167. Anonymous ...... $3,225

168. Robesonian employee ...... $1.90

Total ............$51,800