A local plumbing company is asking for the public’s help in collecting toys for area needy families.
CAC Plumbing, based in Mount Ulla, will accept new unwrapped toys for infants to children up to age 14 tonight at the Salisbury Civic Center.
Every year, owner Cedric Cuthbertson attempts to find families in need during the holidays.
The economy has affected many families’ ability to provide toys, Cuthbertson said.
“It’s sad to see the children not have a Christmas,” he said.
He has an annual customer appreciation dinner from 6-9 p.m. at the Civic Center. Those who would like to help can bring gifts to the Civic Center during the event.
Office Manager Danielle Brown said if people aren’t able to bring the toys tonight, they can make arrangements to have items collected.
The business, which has been open five years, had a miracle jar in other years where money collected could go to an area family.
“We decided that we wanted to do something different. We wanted to give back to somebody and say, ‘This is Christmas and your kids deserve something,’ ” Brown said.
In 2010, the company worked to raise money so Davie High School football player Nick Holder could go home to West Virginia. He had been temporarily paralyzed during a football game.
That was the company’s most successful story, she said.
He now lives in West Virginia she said.
“We decided to do it more widespread,” Brown said.
The company has a list of names through customer referrals, but expects more.
The company is looking to assist 10 to 15 families and provide 200 to 300 toys.
On Dec. 19, the CAC Plumbing staff will distribute gifts to the families.
For more information, contact CAC Plumbing at 704-278-3719.