FAIRMONT, NC (WBTW) – A Fairmont Church started a toy drive for children whose parents cannot afford toys this year through a Christmas Gala.
Reverend Jerrod Moultrie with Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church told News13 there are many families who were hit by Hurricane Florence who cannot afford gifts this year.
“I think there’s going to be a lot of people this season who are having to decide whether or not I buy my child some gifts or whether or not I get a house,” he said. “You know, and it kind of puts them in a bad place and that’s why we really came up with the idea.”
Moultrie partnered with Fairmont Mayor, Charles Townsend, to host the gala for the community, and while admission is free, they ask people who come to bring a toy or gift for children in need.
“We ask any toys, and when it comes to older children they don’t play with toys,” said Moultrie. “We’ve gotten a few bicycles donated to us as well, and for the older kids if they don’t mind, gift cards would be better.”
Mary Leggett is a single parent who was recovering from Hurricane Matthew when Hurricane Florence hit in September.
“We were still dealing with that, and it’s just hard,” she said. “I was shocked whenever I got the message saying my family was chosen for gifts.”
Leggett said she would not have had money to buy gifts because of the financial burdens from the two hurricanes that hit the area, and destroyed parts of her home.
“I do thank the church for reaching out to me and my family,” said Leggett. “It means a lot to me.”
Moultrie said it’s important for the church to give back, and bring the community together.
“It could be any of us,” he said with the Mayor by his side. “We’re not having to make that decision on Christmas Day whether or not we’re gonna buy a toy or whether or not we going to give this child a decent Christmas.”
Tickets to the gala can be found here.
Moultrie and Mayor Townsend, will host the gala at the Heritage Center on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m.
