Pamlico chamber kicks off Christmas toy drive

GRANTSBORO — Even in good economic times, many Pamlico County children face waking up Christmas morning with not even a single present.

For the sixth year, the Pamlico County Chamber of Commerce will help avoid that situation with its Toys for Pamlico Kids project.

The annual toy collections began because there was a real need, according to Sallie Ransom, the project coordinator for the past four years.

“The chamber was eager to do something for the community,” said Ransom. “The best thing about the project is that it is specifically for kids in Pamlico County. There are lots of different drives and they are all wonderful and they all serve a significant need. But knowing that our gifts stay in Pamlico County is what I believe really rallies the community, because they can see it in their back yard.”

Last year, 380 children from the county benefited from the program.

Ransom said an even greater need is anticipated this season amid a slow economic time.

“The chamber will need everyone’s help to make this drive successful,” Ransom said. “Folks are still struggling with the economy.”

 Toys or monetary donations are welcomed. All monetary donations will go into toy purchases.

She said unwrapped educational games as well as toys were needed for child from newborn to age 18.

There are 11 drop-off locations now through Dec. 11.

Again this year, several Oriental residents will hold a special fundraiser for the toy project — selling Christmas trees and barbecue on Dec. 5.

Toys will be distributed Dec. 15 and 16 at the social services office in Alliance.

Ransom said non-tax-deductible donations of money can be mailed to Pamlico County Chamber of Commerce, Attn: Toys for Pamlico Kids, P.O. Box 92, Grantsboro, NC 28529.

To sign up a child in need, contact Joyce Swimm at the Pamlico County Chamber of Commerce at 745-3008, or Debbie Green, Pamlico County Department of Social Services at 745-4086.

Families do not have to be a part of the Social Services system to qualify.

For information, contact Ransom at 252-670-0295.

Charlie Hall can be reached at 252-635-5667 or chall@freedomenc.com

INFO

Toys for Pamlico Kids

Sponsored by the Pamlico County Chamber of Commerce

Now through Dec. 11

Drop-off locations

Alliance:

Department of Social Services                                

Arapahoe:

Arapahoe Charter School                                         

Camps Sea Gull and Seafarer                                                  

Bayboro:

HeartWorks                                                                    

Pamlico County Public Library                                              

Grantsboro:

Tideland EMC                                                                               

The Piggly Wiggly                                                        

First South Bank

Oriental:

The Pamlico News                                                      

Inland Waterway Provision Company                

Mesic:

Town Hall - Open Tuesday and Thursdays, 4 to 5:30 p.m., and 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 2 and Dec. 1