Tree sale, barbecue to help toy drive for Pamlico children

Community volunteers are using food and Christmas trees in combined efforts to help raise money for the annual Toys for Pamlico Kids drive.

Volunteers, led by Howard Longino and "Tennessee Ronnie" Kennamer, will host the second annual BBQ and Christmas Tree Fund-raiser Saturday at the corner of Hodges and South Water streets in Oriental.

The Oriental event will include 6- to 8-foot Fraser Fir trees for sale, along with wreaths in varying sizes, beginning at 8 a.m.

These trees are North Carolina grown in Elk Park by Elk River Evergreens. 

"The growers follow sustainable and environmentally sensitive growing practices, which result in happy, healthy trees," said Sallie Ransom, the toy drive coordinator.

Barbecue sandwiches and side dishes will be available at noon, and the band Hot Buttered Grits will perform at 4 p.m. The four-piece band plays guitar, mandolin, bass and drums.

On Thursday and Friday, the Christmas Parade of Trees will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Heritage Center in Grantsboro, with proceeds going to the toy drive.

There will be a contest to name the best-looking tree and an auction of all trees will be held Saturday.

The fifth annual Toys for Pamlico Kids drive is sponsored by the Pamlico County Chamber of Commerce, and distributes toys to hundreds of boys and girls in Pamlico County.

"Educational games as well as toys that reflect the diversity of our community for children of all ages - newborn to 18 years of age - are encouraged," said Ransom.

Individuals may drop off new and unwrapped toys to the following collection points through Dec. 11:

Pamlico County Department of Social Services, Alliance; Arapahoe Charter School and Camps Sea Gull and Seafarer, Arapahoe; Heartworks and the Pamlico County Library, Bayboro; Tideland EMC, Gardens of Pamlico and Pamlico County Heritage and Visitors Center, Grantsboro; Mesic Town Hall and the Pamlico News, Oriental.

To make a monetary contribution, mail your nontax-deductible donation to the Pamlico County Chamber of Commerce, Attn: Toys for Pamlico Kids, P.O. Box 92, Grantsboro, N.C. 28529. Monetary donations will be translated directly into toy and clothing purchases, Ransom said.

To register a child in need, contact LaTriche Holland-Kitchen at the Pamlico County Chamber of Commerce at 745-3008 or Debbie Green, Pamlico County DSS at 745-4086. Toy recipients do not have to be a part of the Department of Social Services system to qualify.