City of Gaston issued the following announcement on Nov. 21.
GASTONIA, N.C. – Thanks to an anonymous donation of $50,000, this holiday season will be a bit brighter for those in need.
Specifically, families in need can receive food, winter coats, pet essentials and books and toys for children. The Lighthouse Children’s Advocacy Center believes they can serve at least 350 children in the community thanks to this gift, and even more if there are additional donations – either financially or in new and unwrapped items from the accompanying lists. Donations must be received by December 3.
In addition, businesses can participate by hosting collection drives for items or financial donations. The Lighthouse is also seeking volunteers to help with the distribution and shopping days in December. Individuals or businesses interested in contributing can learn more by contacting Heather Kauffman at 704-678-5576 or by email at Heather.Kauffman@GastonGov.com.
The donation helped purchase more than 1,500 toys and games, more than 500 clothing items (including coats and pajamas), more than 250 books, 400 food gift cards and fresh produce, 250 teen-specific items and more. Local businesses provided discounts for the purchase of many of these items to help stretch the donated funds to serve as many children in Gaston County as possible.
The Lighthouse will have three shopping days open to those in the community that need help for their children for the holidays, in addition to a shopping day for youth-serving professionals to help support those individuals as they serve the community.
Shopping days:
December 6th (Youth-serving professionals only): City Church-Fairview Campus
2782 Fairview Drive, Gastonia NC
9am-4pm
December 8th: Mt Holly Municipal Complex
400 E. Central Avenue, Mt. Holly NC
12pm-6pm
December 13th: City Church-Fairview Campus
2782 Fairview Drive, Gastonia NC
12pm-6pm
December 20th: City Church-Fairview Campus
2782 Fairview Drive, Gastonia NC
9am-4pm
Original source can be found here.
