By Erin Smith
One volunteer is hoping she and the Toys for Tots program can make Christmas a little a brighter for children in Bladen County this year.
Following the devastation of Hurricane Florence, Beverly Rodgers said she almost didn’t volunteer with the program this year due to the damages she received at her home. However, as she thought of the many children who were also impacted by the storm, Rodgers said the decision to assist Toys for Tots once more was an easy one to make.
Toys for Tots will be accepting applications for assistance Friday, November 9, and Saturday, November 10, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Bladenboro Historical Society Building located at 818 Main Street in Bladenboro.
Rodgers said the sign-up is for Bladen County residents only. Parents have to have identification and must bring the medicaid card and social security number for each child they are enrolling in the program.
“If they don’t have the proper information with them, they will be instructed what to bring back,” said Rodgers. She assured that anyone who needed to submit additional information will be allowed to do so.
She said all information submitted on the application will be checked and verified.
Rodgers said she became involved in Toys for Tots about 10 years ago when she volunteered with the program in Tabor City before coming to Bladen County.
“I’m all about people and helping people. I just love it,” said Rodgers.
Rodgers and Carmen Jones have been working to ensure children will have a brighter Christmas this year by placing Toys for Tots drop boxes at various locations throughout Bladen County to collect toy donations.
To donate a new, unwrapped toy, Toys for Tots drop off locations in Bladen County include:
*BladenOnline.com located at 8849 US Hwy. 701 South, Clarkton.
*Lu Mil Vineyard located at 438 Suggs-Taylor Road, Elizabethtown.
*Tractor Supply located at 1305 West Broad Street in Elizabethtown.
*The Rent-A-Center located at 1311 West Broad Street in Elizabethtown.
*Take a 2nd Look Thrift Store on US Hwy. 701 South in Elizabethtown.
*The Division on Aging located at 608 McLeod Street in Elizabethtown.
*The Senior Center in Bladenboro.
*Sharon View Credit Union located at 166616 NC Hwy. 87 in Tar Heel.
Rodgers will also be in front of the Walmart store in Elizabethtown Saturday, November 3, to collect new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.
Rodgers added that anyone who would like to have a Toys for Tots donation box placed in their business can do so by calling 910-633-5070.
About Author
