Donations sought for giveaway
By Steve Herring
Published in News on January 4, 2017 1:00 PM
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Donations of clothing, food and new or gently used toys are still being sought by Widows and Widowers New Beginnings for its annual after-Christmas giveaway. Widows and Widowers New Beginnings founder Vicky Darden talks to those attending the group's 2016 event.
MOUNT OLIVE -- Donations of non-perishable food and new or gently used toys and clothing are being sought by Widows and Widowers New Beginnings for its third annual after-Christmas giveaway.
The giveaway will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at the old train depot.
"The reason we do this after Christmas is because we know some children do not get anything for Christmas," said Vicky Darden, who founded the group five years ago. "Ever since we have doing this we have had a good crowd."
Close to 100 people attended last year's event, she said.
Donations may be dropped off at Mrs. Darden's home, 106 County Road. Mrs. Darden said she will also pick up items.
Cash donations may be mailed to P.O. Box. 128, Mount Olive, N.C. 28365.
"We are trying to show that the widows are just not looking for help, but showing that we want to get out and support others, too," she said.
Members visit nursing homes and enjoy fellowship with each other, she said.
Most of the members are women, she said.
Mrs. Darden said she would like to have more widowers in the group.
"It is awesome," she said. "I love it. I just love doing stuff. It is not about Vicky. It is a group where you hurt, I hurt."
The group provides widows and widowers a setting in which to talk to others who have suffered similar losses.
Mrs. Darden said she would like to see more widows and widowers join together since there is strength in numbers.
For more information, or to make a donation contact Mrs. Darden at 919-658-3961.
Widows and Widowers New Beginnings meets at 2 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month at the old train depot.