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By Erin Smith
Christmas will be a little brighter this year for some Bladen County families after the Salvation Army made a delivery of toys and bicycles on Thursday morning. Families began gathering before 8 a.m. in the cold to ensure a spot in line to receive their gifts.
This year, 96 families received assistance from the Salvation Army.
Marjorie Lewis, with Families First, Inc. said, “We’ve been doing this for six or seven years. We opened our building up for their clients to come in and sign up and then we opened our building up today for the delivery.”
Lewis said about six or seven years ago the Salvation Army started coming by their office and they began assisting the Salvation Army staff.
Along with volunteers from the Salvation Army and Families First, Inc., Assistant Bladen County District Attorney Alisha Benjamin was also on-hand to help. She works with domestic violence victims in the court system to bring about resolutions to their cases.
The recipients were excited as they waited patiently in line for their number to be called to receive their gifts. Nabria Russ said, “It means a whole lot to me. It’s just like God’s gift because I was unable to do this for my child.”
Many of the recipients echoed Russ’ sentiments.
Keylonda Cooper said, “This day right here is definitely a blessing, To see that I can get help from the community for my children during a time when I can’t give to them. It’s a blessing and I am thankful and thank God for it.”
Parents and children alike were excited as they were handed their gifts.
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