The Roanoke Rapids Police Club is gearing up for its Christmas for Kids shopping spree with two fundraisers.

The first is Friday night and, as Captain Andy Jackson calls it, is an evening at the Royal Palace Theatre with “three great bands for one great cause.”

The second is a barbecue plate sale that will be Tuesday afternoon at ProBuild.

Concert

It is a concert featuring three bands — Southern Draw, Desperado and Russ Varnell and the Too Country Band.

“The Royal Palace Theatre joined us on an adventure with Christmas for Kids,” Jackson said in a recent interview. “Technically, the show is free. What the Roanoke Rapids Police Club is asking is if you come to make a $5 donation.”

That $5 donation will help raise money for the Christmas for Kids effort. Christmas for Kids, Jackson explained, is an effort by the police club to help children who are in desperate need during the holiday season. “It’s a very special event where we give to kids who are not going to get Christmas. We make sure they get Christmas and carry them to shop. We make sure the money is well spent. We don’t want to see anyone go without Christmas.”

The lineup for the show, which begins at 7:30 p.m., includes Southern Draw, a local band that has played at the Concert in the Park event and other local venues. “They’re a very popular local band with a country flair.”

Desperado is also a local band while Russ Varnell hails from Wilson and was raised in Black Creek. “If you’re a big fan of Hee-Haw, traditional country music, what you’re going to get is true, traditional honky-tonk country music.”

Jackson said staff at the Royal Palace Theatre was easy to work with in planning the show. “We’re very appreciative of them giving us their time in order for us to make this happen for kids. We’re carrying on the same traditional format. We’ll get them a toy and make sure they have a good Christmas.”

Jackson said attendees are welcome to give more than $5. “If you leave more we won’t turn you down. It’s going to be a fun night — three great bands. It’s a good way to get out of the house and support a great cause.”

Plate sale

On Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. the police club will have a plate sale at ProBuild with Herman Moseley cooking.

An $8 donation gets you barbecue, baked beans, slaw, rolls and potatoes.

Major Tommy Hathaway said the events are a perfect outreach for the police club. “Any time you can foster a relationship with the community and be connected with the community to help children is a welcomed event.”

For more information call 252-533-2816.