Christmas for Moore, a local nonprofit dedicated to serving individuals and families in need of assistance at Christmas time, has expanded its reach each year, and 2018 is no exception. More than 1500 county residents registered at four sites in September. In the aftermath of the hurricanes on the area, there are even greater needs among our neighbors.
“Whether they were personally touched by the storm, or whether they were involved in the efforts to help others recover, we want to bring cheer and God’s love to our community at Christmas every year, but especially this year,” says Eleanora Voelkel, chair of the group’s board of directors.
Christmas for Moore diligently matched sponsors with individuals and families; however, approximately 105 participants remain unsponsored at this time.
“We are so thankful to our sponsors in the past and the many who have come forward this year,” Voelkel adds. “In past years, due to a faithful group of local churches, businesses, organizations and individuals, we have never had to turn a qualified family away.”
The Salvation Army of Moore County and many local churches, including Brownson Presbyterian, Southern Pines, Pinehurst and West End United Methodist churches, Our Savior Lutheran, Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines, Community Congregational and The Village Chapel, all sponsor from 50 to up to 300 individuals in need annually through Christmas for Moore.
“These supporters are the backbone of the program, but we still need all of those individuals, businesses, civic clubs and community groups to sponsor a family or two to help fulfill the Christmas for Moore mission of connecting these individuals and sponsors in a neighbor to neighbor outreach.”
Those who agree to become a sponsor provide gifts, including household items, clothing, toys and food to qualified program participants.
“So many residents of Moore County are struggling to provide the basic needs for their families,” Voelkel says. “It is hard for them to consider providing the joy of giving during the Christmas season without help from their community. Christmas for Moore like the Empty Stocking Fund before them, offers these families the assistance they need at Christmas time. With the generosity of the community acting as sponsors and donors to the program, Christmas for Moore needs your help to match up these remaining 105 individuals with sponsors.”
For more information on becoming a Christmas for Moore sponsor, call 910-947-4438 or email [email protected]. To assist with a donation, checks may be mailed to Christmas for Moore, P.O. Box 3962, Pinehurst, N.C., 28374. All donations are tax-deductible.
Feature photo via Christmas for Moore: Dana Fierro (L), Sherri Mangum, Eleanora Voelkel, Tina Patterelli Arno, Barbara Dice, Myron Dice and Anne Wells at Penick Village in 2017.
