A business in Lumberton is giving back this holiday season to a family who was affected by Hurricane Matthew and Florence.
The owner at Sweet Candy Cafe, Felicia Evans Long started a foundation called ‘Tim’s Toys Project’ after her husband passed away back in 2014.
Long said this is her fourth annual event and this year the family that was chosen lost their valuables due to the floods.
“They made us leave our house, they were scared it might get flooded out. Which it did, the roads to our apartment got flooded and we could not go to our apartments until it was safe for us,” said participant Sheila McKeithan.
Each year, Long gives toys that children like during the holiday season. “It’s really important to me to keep his name and keep his legacy going and what better way to do that then to service our community,” said Long.
Long reached out to the principal at Knuckles Elementary School where she was directed to Sheila and her two children.
“It’s hard to know there’s people who have been hit twice. We wanted to make sure we captured a family who was affected by both storms and hopefully we can ease their financial burden off the parents by donating the toys,” said Long.
Sheila was surprised when receiving a call from the Long and said she’s grateful for what this organization has done. ” I couldn’t believe it. I mean I didn’t know anything about it. It was wonderful,” said McKeithan.
Long said she will continue to give back to the community and families who have been affected by natural disasters.
Sweet Candy Cafe is located on 212 North Chestnut Street, Lumberton.
