In an effort to celebrate Christmas in July, Christmas For Moore, a local nonprofit dedicated to serving neighbors in need at Christmas time, purchased $400 in McDonald’s gift cards for members of our homeless community, served by TEAM WORKZ, a fellow Moore County nonprofit.
“We hope that providing a hot meal brings some comfort and a smile as we share a little Christmas in July to those in need whom we might not otherwise be able to help with our program,” said Laurin Hardwick, Christmas For Moore board member, who presented the 40 gift cards to Cliff Brown, of TEAM WORKZ.
Christmas in July also kicks off Christmas For Moore’s 2022 registration for program participants. Online and mail-in registrations begin now, and in-person registration sessions are set for August and September.
“Christmas for Moore is excited to begin our eighth year serving our neighbors in need with the help of our community,” said Eleanora Voelkel, the group’s chair. “This year, as we look at the cost of gas and groceries, and with poverty rates currently as high as 39 percent in some Moore County communities, it is very likely that even more of our neighbors will need assistance.”
Those interested in applying for the program must provide documentation proving Moore County residence for all listed on the application, including children. Documents accepted include a driver’s license, pay stub, utility bill, lease agreement, Medicaid card, or for children, a school identification card, report card or free lunch program form. Online registration is available at www.chrristmas4moore.org/registration.
Paper applications are available for pick up at these five locations:
- Boys and Girls Club of the Sandhills, 160 Memorial Park Ct. Southern Pines;
- Sandhills/Moore Coalition for Human Care, 1500 W. Indiana Ave. Southern Pines;
- Moore County Department of Social Services, 1036 Carriage Oaks Dr. Carthage; and
- Moore Free & Charitable Clinic, 211 Trimble Plant Rd. Southern Pines.
- Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines, 155 Seven Lakes Drive, West End.
Completed paper applications with copies of necessary documentation can then be mailed to Christmas For Moore, P.O. Box 3962, Pinehurst, NC 28374 by Sept. 15, 2022.
Those preferring to register in person may attend one of three registration sessions in August and September, including:
August 27 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m.: Agricultural Center, 707 Pinehurst Avenue, Carthage
September 8 | 4-7 p.m.: Robbins First Baptist Church, 651 Hemp St, Robbins
September 22 | 5-7 p.m.: Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1517 Luther Way, Southern Pines
With an increased need among participants, it further creates a greater need for sponsors, donations and volunteers. Sponsors are matched up with program participants and provide gifts. Volunteers, too, are needed for a variety of tasks, including shopping, making deliveries or assisting at one of the in-person registration sites.
“Our sponsors, donors and volunteers are amazing and have enabled the program to exceed expectations in reaching families in need of support each year,” said Voelkel. “For those who can lend a hand up, Christmas in July is a perfect time to sign up as a sponsor and share the joy of giving during the upcoming Christmas season.”
For more information on becoming a Christmas for Moore sponsor or volunteer, the group is hosting its first information session on Saturday, July 30 from 9:30-11 a.m. at The Village Chapel Care Cottage, located at 55 Community Road, Pinehurst. To register for the information session, call 910-477-3355 (voicemail), email [email protected] or visit www.Christmas4Moore.org. 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.
Photo: Cliff Brown, of TEAM WORKZ, accepts 40 McDonald’s gift cards from Christmas For Moore board member, Laurin Hardwick, for distribution to the area’s homeless as a gift of Christmas in July to those the group might otherwise be able to reach.
Courtesy photo/Contributed.
