LAURINBURG — The parking lot at Belk was filled with Christmas spirit, music and food on Tuesday evening — but the main event brought plenty of happy tears when the lives of 92 families were changed within a heartbeat.

“When Hurricane Florence washed through the Southeast, our community was left with a long road to recovery,” Christina Breakiron, manager of the Belk store in Laurinburg, told the gathered crowd. “And even though we’ve all faced hard times these past few months, it’s been so inspiring to see everyone in this community wrap their arms around one another.”

On Tuesday, Belk delivered the biggest hug of all.

The company’s community outreach program — Project Hometown — instilled the Christmas spirit and sparked the many tears by providing 92 individuals and their families with Belk gift cards, each totaling $300.

“… it wouldn’t be the giving season if we didn’t spread some joy with our Laurinburg family,” Breakiron said.

The entire evening in the Belk parking lot — which included an outdoor tent filled with a catered meal, decorated tables, music from a DJ and a wandering group of carolers, and a children’s area that included craft table and a visit with Santa — was only the beginning for those 92 lucky folks. About half of those were Belk employees who had faced tough times after the hurricane, but each one of those were able to invite another family to also enjoy the evening.

None knew that Belk had a huge surprise in store.

Shortly into the event, Breakiron directed a group of elves to pass out gift bags to the 92 people. When they were instructed to open the bags, shock and tears took over.

One of those was Becky Seat of Laurinburg, who was almost speechless.

“I just can’t believe this,” she said. “It’s a miracle.”

Those sentiments were shared by Cynthia Chavis of Laurel Hill.

“I’m so surprised,” she said. “This truly helps — it’s a real blessing. This will go toward Christmas for the children and grandchildren.”

Marisol Galbreath of Laurel Hill also planned to use the gift card for her grandchildren, but she had more reason to celebrate on Tuesday.

“I was just rehired by Belk, so I’ve been blessed twice,” she said.

As the wave of excitement spread through the crowd, Breakiron said it was a pleasure to see such happiness.

“It feels good to know we are able to touch so many people’s lives like this,” she said.

The Belk company is celebrating its 130th year in business, and the Laurinburg store is in its 86th year.

W. Curt Vincent can be reached at 910-506-3023 or [email protected].

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W. Curt Vincent

Editor