Whiteville Police Department hosts donation drive for Families First

Lucy Byrd accepts a donation from one of the younger benefactors Friday. (Crystal Faircloth photo)
Lucy Byrd accepts a donation from one of the younger benefactors Friday. (Crystal Faircloth photo)

Whiteville Police Department set up a donation drive bright and early Friday morning to help Families First, the shelter and support organization for victims of domestic violence. 

“They did this all on their own. They wanted to help out.” say Lucy Byrd, an advocate with Families First.

Lt. Andre Jackson and Det. Scott Moody piled items in totes and bags, and handed out cups and bracelets to those who generously gave to the worthy cause. Even the little ones opened their hearts to give.  

Lucy Byrd, Scott Moody, Greta Sellers, William Hinz and Thomas Riggins at the donations rive Friday. (Crystal Faircloth photo)
Lucy Byrd, Scott Moody, Greta Sellers, William Hinz and Thomas Riggins at the donation drive Friday. The donations will help domestic violence victims at the Families First shelter. (Crystal Faircloth photo)

“This is awesome,” says Greta Sellers, lead advocate and assistant executive director for Families First. “We have had double the cases this month, and more victims stepping forward than before. 

“Our executive director is Vickie Pait. She isn’t able to be here this morning, but we don’t know what we would do without her.”  

Families First, Inc. serves victims of domestic and sexual assault in Columbus and Bladen Counties. The non-profit agency was organized with the support of the Columbus County Board of Commissioners and the District Attorney’s Office to maintain a program to help the victims. The goals are to provide shelter and services to survivors of domestic violence and to educate the community. They promote non-violence in the family unit.  

The organization is always in need of volunteers, contributions, and public support. They also have thrift store on Madison Street in Whiteville and East Fifth Street in Tabor City where the public can shop and make donations.  

If you missed the drive, Whiteville Police Department will take contributions during the entire month of October in honor of Domestic Violence Month. Call 910.642.5111 to donate or visit the Families First stores.

Det. Sgt. Scott Moody and Lt. Andre Jackson at the Families First booth Friday. (Crystal Faircloth photo)

About Jefferson Weaver 1927 Articles
Jefferson Weaver is the Managing Editor of Columbus County News and he can be reached at (910) 914-6056, (910) 632-4965, or by email at [email protected].