Community provides groceries for those in need

WADESBORO — Employees of Anson County Schools’ Central Office, First Presbyterian Church in Wadesboro, Jon G’s Barbecue in Peachland, Loba-Wakol in Wadesboro, Uwharrie Bank, numerous community members, civic organizations including the Anson Women’s League, and anonymous donors recently provided Christmas gifts and groceries to around 75 children and their families in Anson County Schools through the Anson County Schools’ Christmas Giving Angel Tree Project.

Additionally, a generous monetary donation from Jon G’s Barbecue, including a trailer full of unwrapped toys, allowed the schools to provide food and groceries to all 34 families this year.

Jon G’s owners Kelly and Jon Kirkman had a vision this year to raise money for groceries for needy children and their families in the schools. They had an overwhelming response to their campaign from across North Carolina and other states. On Wednesday, December 15, the Kirkman’s gave First Presbyterian Church a donation for over $1,400 to go toward the purchase of groceries for each family.

First Presbyterian Church had previously set aside $500 plus donations from church members. With both Jon G’s donation and the church’s contribution, over 15 buggies full of groceries were purchased to serve needy families. At Food Lion, a team of cashiers, baggers and managers checked out the 15+ buggies. Everyone (including customers at Food Lion) worked as a team to help fill vehicles full of groceries.

“It was a heart-warming sight!” said ACS spokesperson Anne Hyatt in a press release.

Any donations that come in after December 18 will be used toward the Blessing Bag Project at First Presbyterian Church. The Blessing Bag Project, initiated by the children of First Presbyterian Church in Wadesboro several years ago, provides enough food each week for 25 children to take home during the weekend. The grocery bags are filled with food and placed in their bookbags for students to take home.

“It was so moving to hear the excitement of the employees and citizens who contributed toward this project,” Hyatt said. “Each person and business gave so willingly while knowing very little about the child — beyond his or her gender and age — for whom they had purchased gifts or donated money toward feeding. It’s much more wonderful to give than to receive, and a lot of people made 2021 a great Christmas for so many children. The hope and joy given to the families is priceless!”

These donations were made possible by the willingness of the school guidance counselors, social workers, nurses and principals to work with the families and provide gift information for the project. Hyatt gave special thanks to First Presbyterian Church members who worked behind the scenes, the school’s central office staff and custodial crew for helping transport gifts and for helping make this project a success through teamwork.