Saving Christmas for kids

Masquerading as Huddle House employees, Santa's elves are busy collecting toys and donations to make Christmas wishes come true for local children. For more information about the program, contact Richard Brown at 706-359-5360 or Dorothy Columbro at 706-359-6240. Pictured are: (l-r) Sarah Goodwin, Yolanda Gartrell, Judy Sikes, Dianne Mason, Joy Winston, and Jessica Brady.

Employees of the Huddle House are holding a toy drive for the needy children of the community.

According to Richard Brown, owner of the restaurant, "Our customers and employees were concerned when we read last week's Lincoln Journal and discovered that no one is sponsoring a 'Secret Santa Program' in Lincoln County this year. So we decided we would do something to help our families in need."

That "something" is to offer a free meal to anyone bringing a new toy to the Huddle House.

"Most people are donating the meal back to us, and we're taping a coupon for a free meal to the gift," noted Brown.

He went on to add that within hours of the decision to launch the toy drive, the Huddle House had received $317 in monetary donations well as toys, including a mint collection of Barbie dolls. Moreover, the customers at Powell's Auction Barn donated over $1,000 in toys to the drive Saturday night.

Brown likewise recognized Radio Shack, Fast Times Enterprises, Goldman & Wengrow's Department Store, C & B Drugs, Lincolnton Dry Cleaners, and Broad River Realty for their support of the toy drive.

During the next few weeks, local residents are encouraged to drop off new toys or monetary donations at Broad River Realty or the Huddle House to ensure that all of the children in the county have the merriest of Christmases.

For more information about the toy drive, contact Richard Brown at 706- 359-5360 or Dorothy Columbro at 706-359-6240.