ROCKINGHAM — Scores of Richmond County residents came out on a dreary Saturday morning for a first-ever community breakfast whose aim was to gather canned food and donated toys for those less fortunate.
The surge was strongest when doors opened after 8 a.m., when a line of people waited for plates of bright yellow eggs, biscuits and bacon. By 9 or so, the crowd mirrored the weather outside, coming in fits and spatters. About 200 had attended by the time serving ended at 11 a.m.
“It’s good. It’s a good cause,” said T.J. Davenport of Rockingham, as he and companion Elizabeth Deese seasoned their eggs and grits. The two had brought a race car, Hot Wheels racetrack and a toy cash register for Toys for Tots, as well as canned foods.
“This is a great event,” said state Rep. Ken Goodman, who had contributed to the breakfast. “I hope it’s something that grows and grows each year.”
Local and state officials chipped in for and served the breakfast, organized by Vickie Daniel, clerk of Superior Court in Richmond County.
At times, contributors outnumbered diners: Sheriff James Clemmons, District Attorney Reece Saunders and Vancine Sturdivant of the Anson County Commission stood on the sidelines, to name a few. Richmond County School Board member Bobbie Sue Ormsby clocked several stints behind the serving tables.
“I’m happy that Vickie called me to participate,” Ormsby said. “I’ve lived in Richmond County all my life, and I’m very happy I can give back to the community.”
Vietnam vet Robert Dawkins of Hamlet was there for the food and to recognize the needs of others.
“(I came) to support the food drive,” he said — he contributed beef stew and canned ham — “and to enjoy breakfast.”
“It’s cold and rainy, and the food’s good,” he said, adding pragmatically — “and I would have et anyway.”
Daniel said on Monday they were still counting the number of donations collected.