The first step will be a fish plate sale at ProBuild on October 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.to help the annual Christmas for Kids shopping event.
Tickets are $8 for a meal consisting of fish, slaw, potatoes and hushpuppies prepared by DIRT Ministries.
The annual fundraiser is nearing its 20th anniversary, said Tina May, administrative assistant for the police department, and one of the contact points for tickets.
“In most cases the children wouldn’t have Christmas without it,” she said.
There have been moments throughout the history of the event where those who are intended to benefit from the shopping spree at Walmart don’t necessarily go right to the toy section. “The one that stands out to me is we had a 14-year-old boy when we told him how much we had, got a basketball and then went over to the food section,” May said.
(Delivery is available. For more information or to purchase tickets call May at 252-533-2814 or 252-532-5827. You may also contact Jackson at 252-326-3938)
There he bought Pop Tarts, a gallon of milk, shampoo and deodorant. “He told me that’s all he wanted.”
Others, she said, only wanted to buy items for their parents or siblings.
The police department culls the list of children to help from names given by Chaloner, Manning and Belmont schools, each giving between 20 to 30 names. “It’s hard to choose what children. It’s a long list,” May said.
From the fish plate sale, the police department is hoping to raise enough money to spend $250 on each child, encouraging them to also pick out clothing or coats.
“At lot of the officers, if they go over, pay the difference out of their own pockets,” Chief Chuck Hasty said.
While a firm date has not been set for the actual shopping spree, Hasty said it will most likely be held around the first part of December. The children will be treated to breakfast before going shopping, he said.
Hasty said the goal behind the event is simple. “It’s all about helping the community.”
The partnerships behind the event include the fire department, the police club, business partners, private citizens and city council, Hasty said.
Hasty said the police department is also seeking individuals who would like to sponsor a child.
Deputy Chief Andy Jackson knows there is a need in the community for the event. “Working in the community, I see a greater need more than ever where children need assistance, not only with food and clothes, but the simple things in life like toys. It’s the most important fundraiser we do all year.”
Jackson also suggests those who don’t want the fish plate may make donations so a family in need may have a hot meal that day.