Donations to The Empty Stocking Fund in honor of Pam Rancke began pouring in on Thursday morning and we soon found out why.
The following was posted on Facebook by Pam’s husband, John, and it is self-explanatory. It has been published below with the permisson of John and Pam, former Lumberton residents who now live in Wilmington. It demonstrates an incredible capacity to care about others even as they both battle Pam’s grave illness.
From John:
Last spring Tina Kinlaw and I opened a bank account at BBT with the intent that those that wished to do “something” for Pam could send $5 to $10 and Pam could either spend it to treat herself to something special or she could give it to someone that needed it. In other words, it was her choice as to its purpose.
I will tell you that Pam was never comfortable with the idea and really did not want anyone sending money to her. So Tina and I never really publicized the account or pushed it. But she and I put some funds into it as did a couple of other friends. So the money sat there unused.
I just read an update from The Robesonian this morning and see where the Empty Stocking Fund is running way behind the donations from past years.
During my years working with the city of Lumberton Receation Department, the Department of Social Services always used one of our rooms at the Bill Sapp Center to sign up eligible families for the Empty Stocking Fund. I was amazed at the numbers of families requesting help at Christmas each year. The line grew longer every year.
I have wondered what to do with the money that sat in the account at BBT for Pam’s use. This morning the answer came over the Internet when I read the article in The Robesonian.
I will be writing a check today for $500 and mailing it to The Robesonian for The Empty Stocking Fund. This will empty the account and fulfill the mission that Tina and I started last spring.
So many of you have offered to help or do something to assist Pam, Lindsay, or myself in the past weeks and months. So I am asking for your help.
We don’t need food. We don’t need flowers. Pam and I and Lindsay and her family lack for nothing as we have such love surrounding us from so many directions.
Pam has always cared more about others than herself. I can think of no better way to help her and honor her life than to write a check for $5 or $10 and send it to The Robesonian.
I hope this request will encourage each of you to find it in your hearts to help those less fortunate.
Pam is sleeping comfortably on the couch and sends her love to each of you. Your love envelops her each and every moment she remains with us.
Because of John and Pam’s thoughtfulness and that message, $950 was donated to The Empty Stocking Fund in just a few hours. We know much more is on the way.
We are humbled to be a small part of this effort.
Also on Thursday, the fund received the largest donation so far this year, $1,500 from Drs. Sam Britt, Barry Williamson and Peter Villani, all of Lumberton Surgical Associates. The gift was made in honor of the employees of Southeastern Regional Medical Center and their referring physicians.
Donations can be made in person at our office at 2175 N. Roberts Ave. or mailed to us at P.O Box 1028, Lumberton, N.C., 28359. Just make the check payable to The Empty Stocking Fund.
If you plan on making a gift of at least $500 and want a photograph published, please call Donnie Douglas, editor of The Robesonian, at 910-272-6104 to schedule that.
Each day The Robesonian will list the money donated and the contributors. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can do so by being listed as “A friend” or “Anonymous.” Donations can also be made in honor or memory of loved ones.
Previous total ………… $3,972
23. From Lee Ann Musselwhite/Victor Scott Lamm because of the love story of John and Pam Ranke …..$100.00
24. In honor of John & Pam Rancke, love JB & Lindsey Chadwick ….$500.00
25. In honor of Pam Rancke from Rita Cox …….$25.00
26. In honor of Pam Rancke from Beth & Ricky ………..$250.00
27. In honor of Pam Rancke from Bunky and John …. $100.00
28. Lumberton Surgical Associates, PA ………$1,500.00
New total ……….………. $6,497
Post a Comment
