Belk's Fall Charity Sale on Nov. 15 will once again benefit local charities, schools and nonprofit organizations throughout the company's 16-state market area.

Belk's previous charity sale, held May 3, raised more than $4 million for hundreds of participating nonprofit organizations. Belk in Pinecrest Plaza in Southern Pines is participating in the event.

The four-hour, in-store shopping event offers an excellent fundraising opportunity for participating organizations and a chance for customers to support worthwhile charities and take advantage of special discounts on purchases made during the event.

In return for a $5 donation, customers receive a ticket admitting them to the charity sale, which runs from 6 to 10 a.m. and entitling them to merchandise discounts ranging from 20 percent to 50 percent on purchases throughout the store (excluding cosmetics and fragrances).

Customers also receive $5 off their first purchase of $5 or more at the event, and Belk cardholders will receive double points for card purchases.

Participating local charities will sell the tickets in advance of the event, and the proceeds from each $5 ticket will be retained by the charity. Beginning today (Friday) tickets may also be purchased at the store, with all donations divided among the participating charities and schools.

There is no limit to the number of tickets charities can sell, and no limit to the amount of money that can be raised. Belk provides tickets and collateral material at no cost to the participating nonprofit organizations.

In addition, participating customers can register to win one of four $1,000 Belk shopping sprees, and all participating charities and schools will automatically be registered to win a $1,000 donation (a total of four will be awarded).

In order to take part in the Belk Charity Sale, participants must have an IRS designation as tax-exempt nonprofit organizations.

Local charitable organizations participating are the American Association of University Women, the Academy of Moore County, the American Red Cross, Animal Advocates of Moore County, Backpack Pals, Business and Professional Women, Com-passionate Friends Sandhills, Friends of Moore County Guard-ian Litem, The Haven, Friends for Life, Kennedy Disabled Sports;

Kiwanis of the Pines, Marine Corps League, Miss Moore County Scholarship Association, Montgomery Moore Animal Rescue, Moore County Shrine Club, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, P.E.O. Chapter BS, P.E.O. Chapter BY, Pinecrest Choral Boosters, Union Pines High School cross country teams, Union Pines High School ROTC, and VFW Ladies Auxiliary of John Boyd Post 7318.

Anyone needing more information on the Belk Fall Charity Sale can call 215-9353.

In conjunction with charity day, Belk customers can join Lancome in helping women in shelters this season. Customers are asked to bring unused or gently used empty cosmetic bags from Lancome's previous "Gift with Purchase" promotions, as well as promotion gift bags from other Belk cosmetic counters, to the Lancome counter on the day of the charity day.

The bags will be filled with toiletries and be distributed to the women in the shelters. Donating customers will receive a special Lancome two-piece bonus.

For more information, call Angie Ennis, cosmetic area sales manager at 692-6088, ext. 250.