Ben Thompson has witnessed the power Hunters Helping Kids brings to children.

Now he and other volunteers are bringing the program to Halifax County and other counties in the region through the Woods and Water Chapter.

“The mission is to get kids outdoors who don't have the opportunity or chance to get outdoors,” said Thompson, who was involved in the program in Duplin County and, upon his return to Halifax County, is president of the newly formed chapter.

The group is in the process of fundraising for hunting and fishing events it plans for next year, Thompson said Tuesday, and plans its first banquet in March.

The organization is family and faith oriented and is generally for children ages 10 through 15, although children with terminal illnesses and disabilities can participate in events below the age standards.

The children will get an education in the North Carolina hunter safety course and the program is backed by the state Wildlife Resources Commission.

In Duplin County Thompson witnessed the program first hand, watching a 13-year-old child with brain cancer who was legally blind shoot his first deer. He saw a bond grow between the boy and a child who was constantly bullied in school. “That's the impact I want to see here. I've seen the success other chapters have had.”

Thompson has no doubts the program will be a success here. “When you see the land and the openness we have, with this location it's nothing but wide open skies. We've never had anything like this.”

Committee member Andy Bryant believes the program will be beneficial. “It's all for the kids. I think it will instill in them a sense of pride and accomplishment.”

Although based in Halifax County, there are no boundaries for the local chapter, Thompson said. Children from Warren, Northampton and Nash counties are welcome to participate. “There are endless opportunities.”

Raffle under way

To raise money to provide the basic equipment for startup of the chapter, the Woods and Water Chapter is holding a raffle for a chance to win a Remington 870 Express Magnum and a Savage 93 .17-caliber rifle.

Both guns are on display at Bass and Bucks on Tenth Street in Roanoke Rapids where tickets can be bought. They can also be bought at Melody's Family Hair Care on West Tenth Street.

The number for Bass and Bucks is 252-308-0880. The number for Melody's is 252-308-0211.

For more information

To volunteer or for more information on the chapter call Thompson at 252-676-5533. Other chapter officers are John Hand, vice president; Lisa Salmon, secretary; and Tonya Hasty, treasurer.

Activities

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