Despite a cold drizzling rain Tuesday night, Roanoke Rapids Mayor Emery Doughtie had people turn up for his Merry Mayor Christmas at Centennial Park.

The aim of the event was to collect food items for the Backpack Buddies program sponsored by the Roanoke Graded School District.

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Doughtie said he would meet the goal of an anonymous donor who pledged to donate $5 for each food donation up to $1,000.

In a good-natured turn on a traditional Christmas custom, Doughtie presented lumps of coal to a couple of visitors, including Jerry McDaniel, who is known in the community for expressing his political views via signs which can be viewed from Old Farm Road.

Jason Yeatts, pastor of East Tenth Street Christian Church, assisted the mayor.