The Many Hearts, One Beat Committee, in partnership with the Bladen County Department of Social Services and Families First, held a Unity Carolers Concert at the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market in Elizabethtown this past Sunday.
Carolers from Greater McKoy’s Chapel of Dublin, Second New Light Church of Tar Heel, The Lake Church of White Lake, Elizabethtown First Baptist Church, and Dublin First Baptist Church gathered between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to perform.
Pastor Delora LeSane said, “It was very good; the people seemed to enjoy the carolers”.
She added, “With the COVID Pandemic, it caused some people not to come out, but next year we will have more time to plan. This year we had a short time frame to do the planning, but we wanted to do something to help the children.”
Away In a Manger, We wish you a Merry Christmas, and Jingle Bells were some of the songs Greater McKoy’s Chapel and Second New Light Church sang.
Jackson Bostic, Tenely Dowless, and Jane Johnson performed carols like O’ Holy Night, Mary Did You Know, Go Tell It On the Mountain, and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.
Jane Johnson said, “I think they should do it again next year. We need more things to spread the Christmas cheer. It was awesome!”
“If one person got a blessing, it was worth it,” Pastor Cameron McGill with the Lake Church stated.
Ashley Dowless, one of the event organizers, said, “I hope we keep it going,” she added, “The best part was seeing those who have not been able to get out due to COVID enjoy the concert from their cars.”
During the concert, gift cards and monetary donations were collected for items for those in need this holiday season. According to Vickie Smith, Bladen County Department of Social Services Director, a total of $344 was donated and divided between the social services department and the Families First non-profit.
“I’m very humbled at what Bladen County does each year,” Mrs. Smith stated. “Each child has more than enough.”
There are 163 kids in need this year, but the department usually tops 200 before the end of the year.
The event is sponsored by the Many Hearts, One Beat Committee. Members of the Many Hearts, One Beat Committee are as follows: the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Social Services, Families First, Bladen Community College, NC Works, County of Bladen Manager, Greg Martin, Chairman of County Board of Commissioners, Ray Britt, Elizabeth Blanks, with the 4-H Life Skills program, Town of Elizabethtown, White Lake Chamber of Commerce, Elizabethtown Police Department, Pastor Fletcher Collins, Pastor Cameron McGill, Pastor Dr. Delora LeSane, Pastor Dr. Rudy Ramphal.
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