Thanks to John Chappell and The Pilot for reporting on the outpouring of support for our Christmas Assistance program (Dec. 23). Widespread response enabled us to provide warm clothes to 150 children.

Pete Kakouris of Carolina Fried Chicken generously donated $1,000 to the cause. Other Robbins area supporters included Mayor Mickey Brown, Frank Thigpen, Dr. Darrell Powers, Edison and Peggy Powers, Neil Wolfe of Fidelity Bank, Frances Cagle of First Bank, Jonah and Julie Person, Carolyn McDermott and Fred Shuker, Mary Alice McDermott, Melissa Thompson and Christie Allen, guidance counselor at Elise Middle School.

Employees of Pinehurst Surgical adopted two dozen students for whom they purchased presents. Thanks to CEO William Edsel, as well as to all the employees who participated, and especially Betty Dew who was the organizer.

Thanks also to Marcia Bryant for organizing an effort by her bridge club, Sandhills Duplicate Bridge Players Association. They provided presents for 16 children. We also had support from Sandhills residents Mary and Fred Brown, Jean Webster, Valerie and William Hawkins, and Rosie and John Ruggles.

Volunteers Kate Shields, Julie Person, Janett Nelson, Amy Ortiz, and Bryan Patterson helped us wrap the many presents. We thank them for their time and interest. I also thank Cheri Young of Raleigh for recruiting many of these supporters through personal phone calls.

Last, I must thank Lilly Loughner, my very able assistant, who patiently and diligently handled the complicated logistics, assuring that no child was left out. The children we helped are fortunate that so many people cared about and were supportive of our efforts. I wish supporters and children alike a happy and healthy 2007.

Clare Ruggles, Director, Northern Moore Family Resource Center