Convoy of Kindness
When Kerri Allen’s wish to give back meets a community eager to help, Brunswick County’s first Christmas Convoy rolls into town.
To give back to the community that welcomed her nine years ago, Kerri Allen is putting on Brunswick County’s first-ever Christmas Convoy.
Owner and president of FlyLock Security Solutions, Allen is partnering with three charities — Brunswick Family Assistance, Christian Recovery Center and The Claus Cause — to deliver Christmas gifts to local families in need.
For the month of November, anyone can drop off new and unwrapped gifts in boxes at Aspen Dental, T-Mobile, Tropical Smoothie Café and Sunshine Nails in Shallotte. Beyond Shallotte, Calabash Curios and Wine will have a drop box. Donation requests include toys, clothing, toiletries, household items, blankets, Christmas decorations and more.
Allen got the idea to do a Christmas Convoy in Brunswick County after watching her father start one in Waynesboro, Virginia, in partnership with their local Salvation Army. She said her father “took care of everybody” up until his death nine years ago.
This Christmas Convoy is not only helping underserved communities in Brunswick County, but also honoring the work of a man who cared about his own community a state away.
The main Christmas Convoy event will be held December 2 from 11 am to 7 pm between Hobby Lobby and Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Coastal Marketplace in Shallotte. A truck from College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving will collect day-of donations, as well as the donations from the boxes, and transport all donations to the three charities.
Those who donate can take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus and grab a coupon from Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Starbucks will provide free coffee while Peace of Mind Insurance Consulting, LLC will provide free hot chocolate.
Allen says she was blown away at how many businesses wanted to work with her on this event and how quickly they were willing to do so. Not only did Tropical Smoothie Cafe secure the location for the Day of Giving, but South Brunswick Economic Development Coalition is donating $500 to the Christmas Convoy. Allen hopes this Christmas Convoy can become an annual event for Brunswick County.
Christmas Convoy Day of Giving Event Information:
When: Tuesday, December 2, 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Coastal Marketplace, Smith Avenue, Shallotte (between Tropical Smoothie
Cafe and Hobby Lobby)
What to bring for donations: New and unwrapped toys, clothing, toiletries, household items, blankets, Christmas decorations and more.
Activities: Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, free Starbucks coffee, free hot chocolate
Charities delivering the donations: Brunswick Family Assistance, Christian Recovery Center and The Claus Cause
Where can I donate before December 2? Drop off donations at Aspen Dental, T-Mobile, Tropical Smoothie Café and Sunshine Nails in Shallotte. More locations to come!
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