AHOSKIE – The holiday spirit is alive and well in Ahoskie.

Earlier this month, local citizens braved the inclement weather that accompanied a nasty nor’easter to attend an Open House hosted by Ace Hardware of Ahoskie. That event helped to kick-off a holiday food drive.

According to Ace Hardware owner Jamie Johnson, the goal of collecting 1,000 pounds of food items is close to reality. To date, over 800 pounds fill six large trash cans and the donations continue to come in to the store.

“Yes, there is a Santa Claus,” Johnson said. “He exists as certainly as love, generosity and devotion exists in northeastern North Carolina.”

This week, the donations will be delivered to Dickie Hoggard at the Ahoskie Food Pantry (located at First Presbyterian Church). They will go a long way in helping those less fortunate during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Meanwhile, Ace Hardware of Ahoskie will continue as a collection point for the Ahoskie Food Pantry throughout the holiday period. In addition, Ace will donate $1 to the Ahoskie Food Pantry for each Ace gift card purchased during the holidays.

“As Christmas approaches, please keep the less fortunate in your thoughts and prayers,” said Brian Hedspeth, store manager for Ace Hardware of Ahoskie. “Help us answer the call to serve others in our community. Drop off your food items here at Ace and consider purchasing a gift card that makes an automatic donation to the Ahoskie Food Pantry.”

Johnson said he was extremely thankful for the generosity of the people of the Roanoke-Chowan area.

“We are thankful that individuals choose us as their place to shop, but more importantly we are thankful that we are able to employ over 30 people from our local communities,” Johnson said. “We are grateful for that support and for the support you have shown and will continue to show for the Ahoskie Food Pantry.”