Christmas is a tough time for many families in this economically depressed area, and one local agency tries to help every year.
The Northern Moore Family Resource Center, a nonprofit organization in the Robbins area, is holding its annual Christmas Assistance drive.
“Each year, we get names from the local elementary schools of students who will not have a good Christmas,” said Michelle Miller, director of the center. “This year, we have 119 kids from this area.”
Things are not getting better for families in the Robbins area, where jobs have disappeared as employers such as a poultry processor closed their doors.
A hoped-for furniture manufacturing business in the old Robbins mill did not materialize. Business downturns forced the prospective investor to abandon plans to rejuvenate the old plant.
The number of children on the list has grown from 85 last year to 119 this year, according to Miller. These children need many basic items, not just something to play with, she said.
“Through donations and individuals who volunteer to sponsor a child or two, we provide warm clothes (jackets, sweaters, pants, and so forth) for these children,” she said. “If anybody is willing to contribute or sponsor a child, I hope they will contact us at Northern Moore Family Resource Center.”
The mailing address is P.O. Box 190, Robbins, N.C., 27325. The phone number is 948-4324.
The deadline for giving contributions and gifts in time for Christmas is Dec. 10.
“This will give us time to wrap and deliver the gifts to the schools,” Miller said. “We would like to thank everybody in advance for their help and support. We know the kids will greatly appreciate it.”
Miller hopes people will be generous enough so that a child’s gift can go a little beyond bare necessities.
“Possibly a toy if funds allow,” she said.
