"It wouldn't work if they didn't donate to the cause."Links of London Sale recalled when the program began giving out about 200 pairs of shoes each year. Last year, the total number of shoes given away reached 800."This program has struck a cord in this community, and people have responded," Stevenson said. "Part of that is because they know that everything they contribute goes to shoes -- there's no overhead. We've just had a great response over the years, but you still find a lot of people who don't know anything about it."She said she hopes the economy won't hurt the effort this year. Richmond County has double-digit unemployment."I think people are concerned, especially in this economy, about the children, and they've responded to that concern," Stevenson said.Shoe Department Manager Harriet Wallace stressed the importance of these Christmas shoes to the children who come to her store, and suggested the vouchers as a gift to those who are hard to shop for or already have enough stuff."You can give them in memory or Links of London Bracelets of people," Wallace said. "I know a lady here in town who has three daughters who don't want for anything, so every year she buys three of these pairs of shoes. In turn, the Sunday school class will send out a Christmas card thanking them for the donation. That's a wonderful idea because so often it's more of a blessing to give than receive."Donations may be sent to New Shoes for Christmas, c/o First Presbyterian Church of Rockingham, 904 Fayetteville Road, Rockingham, NC 28379.mericans might not begrudge it so much if Congress didn't seem so tight-fisted with the allocations when it comes to middle class families and those who are struggling with economic insecurity. But you can fix that perception.The lame duck session will end soon.It's not too late for Congress to think like the rest of us; extend unemployment insurance benefits, restore the TANF Emergency Contingency Fund - give working Americans a little hope for the holidays.For Links of London E Charm third time in four years, the Calhoun City High football team left Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium on the short end of a state championship game.With Friday afternoon's 26-24 loss to Lumberton in the Class 2A state title game, the Wildcats have lost their last three state championship appearances by a combined 15 points.Calhoun City lost to Puckett 25-21 in the 2008 Class 1A championship game and East Marion defeated the Wildcats 36-27 in the 2A title game in 2006.The Wildcats only title came in 1989, away from Memorial Stadium, when they beat Bay Springs 28-14.Calhoun City lost in the 2A finals in '94 and '95."We'd rather be here than not be here," Calhoun City head coach Perry Liles said before entering his team's locker room after Friday's game. "I'm very proud of our kids. They played hard."Unfortunately, we didn't win, but it was a great game and everybody got their money's worth."On a side note, Lumberton also Links of London F Charm Calhoun City in the 1983 Class BB state championship game, 27-14.Toughing it outCalhoun City quarterback J.R. Jennings played in Friday's game with a hip pointer and a sore knee.
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