With a concert and barbecue plate sale behind it, the Roanoke Rapids Police Club is halfway to its goal of helping 20 children in its Christmas for Kids program.

“I was very proud of the volunteers we had to assist us and thankful to the citizens and businesses that supported us,” Major Tommy Hathaway said. “It shows when the community comes together it can be really connected and act as one.”

The Tuesday plate sale, under the cooking expertise of Herman Moseley, helped sell a large volume of barbecue plates, Hathaway said. “Herman Moseley has got to be one of the best men in this community. We had to beg him to take a donation from us.”

The police club continues to seek donations so it can help 20 children during a December 15 shopping spree at Walmart for clothes and toys. “The police club wants to help as many children as possible,” Hathaway said.

Jeff Davis, left, and Jason Williams help bag trays Tuesday night.

Christmas can be a brutal time for the very children the club is seeking to help, the major said. “I have seen drug abusers begging for Christmas. I’ve seen children with no Christmas, cold houses and no food. Police, EMS and fire see some of the worst in the community, it breaks your heart sometimes.”

The shopping trip will also include a lunch for the children at a local restaurant.

For more information on Christmas for Kids or to make a donation, call the police department at 252-533-2810 during business hours or contact any officer.