Breaking news! The number of donations to the Empty Stocking Fund continues to climb.

More than $10,000 has been donated to the Fund as of Friday afternoon. That money will make it possible for 214 needy children to have gifts under their Christmas trees this year. That’s 38 more children since the last report on Wednesday!

These are numbers we hope to see rise in the coming weeks, as Christmas carols take over the airwaves and we celebrate the Christmas season. What better way to celebrate the joy of the holiday season than by giving back to others in our community?

Please consider partnering with us in this endeavor to bring smiles of children on Dec. 25 through the Empty Stocking Fund.

The fund provides a $50 voucher that can be redeemed at Roses in Lumberton or Roses Express in Fairmont. The fund is collected and distributed through a partnership between The Robesonian, Robeson County Department of Social Services and United Way of Robeson County.

Donations can be made in person, online or through the mail.

Mailed donations should be addressed to The Robesonian, c/o The Empty Stocking Fund, 2175 Roberts Ave., Lumberton, N.C., 28358. Donations can be made between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at The Robesonian. Donations can be made online at https://tinyurl.com/yxq6se7n. Checks should be made payable to Empty Stocking Fund/ United Way.

Previous total…$8,838.90

22. Anonymous…$100

$50 in memory of Dana and $50 in honor of Jordan and Hailey

23. Patricia Bullard…$100

24. Lela Anne’s Learning Center…$500

25. Leland Dubois…$100

In memory of my wife of 50 years, Linda S Dubois

26. Donnie Douglas….$100

In honor of my former co-workers at The Robesonian

27. For the kids from RH…$100

28. Chris Stephenson…$100

In loving memory of Gilbert and Bert Stephenson

29. Cherry and Sharon Hilburn…$200

30. Bethesda United Methodist Church Women…$500

31. Betty and Bob Fisher…$100

In honor of Donnie Douglas

New total……$10,738.90