Several years ago, I penned an editorial at another publication praising the support the people of Richmond County have for the community.
After seeing that giving spirit in action within the past week, I felt led to recognize it again.
Although Richmond ranks as one of the top poorest counties in North Carolina, the residents and corporate citizens tend to go out of their way to help those in need.
With the number of children in the foster care system tripling in the past two years, social workers were concerned they wouldn’t be able to provide enough presents to those kids for Christmas.
But the people of Richmond County stepped up to the plate and hit a home run.
The employees of the Cascades Tissue Plant this week delivered hundreds of already wrapped presents for 50 of those foster children, along with more than a dozen bicycles.
Richmond Community College, the Richmond County Amateur Radio Club and even the inmates at Morrison Correctional Institution also contributed to the cause, with American Woodmark helping to sponsor the Division of Social Services annual foster care Christmas party.
And that’s just the foster kids.
That doesn’t include the number of toys soon to be collected by the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, as donation boxes around the county fill up.
And while it is currently the season for giving, the support is year round.
Richmond County residents support a variety of causes established to help others, including Place of Grace’s homeless shelter; Backpack Pals; the Humane Society of Richmond County; and Richmond County Animal Advocates, which tries to keep the number of unwanted pets to a minimum by offering to pay to have animals spayed or neutered.
Earlier this year, Richmond County Hospice’s Dancing with the Stars event brought in around $60,000.
Local motorcycle and riding clubs have raised thousands of dollars for the Special Olympics, the Andy’s Foundation and other causes throughout the year, as they do every year.
I know I’m leaving others out, but I think the few examples I’ve listed have made my point.
No matter what political matters may divide us, when it comes to helping each other, all else is swept aside.
Be proud of yourself, Richmond County and continue the trend.
William R. Toler is an award-winning journalist and managing editor of the Richmond Observer.
Â
