LUMBERTON —Only two gifts were donated to the Empty Stocking Fund since The Robesonian began reporting on Wednesday, but both were generous.

A special thanks goes out to Mayor Bruce Davis and the Lumberton City Council members Owen Thomas, Karen Higley, Eric Chavis, Melissa Robinson, Leroy Rising and John Carroll, who donated $1,650.

J.W.and Resa Hammonds, of Hammonds Development, was the other donor, giving a generous $500, while also challenging other business owners to donate as well.

There’s still a ways to go before reaching the $87,503 mark by the Dec. 22 deadline. The amount is the record set in 2018. Last year’s fund raised $79,946.75, the third highest total ever.

Collected funds will allow needy families to buy gifts for children this Christmas. An eligible child will receive a $50 voucher on a first-come, first-served basis until the fund is exhausted. Those vouchers can be redeemed at either the Roses store in Lumberton or the Roses Express in Fairmont.

Donations should be made at The Robesonian offices at 2175 Roberts Ave., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Mailed donations should be addressed to The Robesonian, c/o The Empty Stocking Fund, 2175 Roberts Ave., Lumberton, N.C., 28358.

To make a donation over the phone using a credit card, call either Autumn Jacobs at 910-816-1980 or Clarissa Jackson at 910-416-5235. Donations can also be made online at lumberriveruw.org/esfrobco.

If the gift is in honor or memory of someone, please provide that information and it will be included. The Robesonian will publish photographs that accompany donations of $500 or more if that request is made.

The deadline to donate is Dec. 22. Donors will receive a cash receipt for the current tax year. All donations will go to the Robeson County Department of Social Services.

Previous total ………$1,800.00

10. Hammonds Development….. $500

11. Mayor Bruce Davis and the Lumberton City Council members Owen Thomas, Karen Higley, Eric Chavis, Melissa Robinson, Leroy Rising and John Carroll……$1,650

New total ………………….$3,950