PIRATE’S LOOT: A local event exemplified the spirit of the season during this time of thanksgiving and giving. Pirates on the Pungo (POTP) is an annual sailing and festival held in Belhaven. The proceeds for the event go to assisting local charities. The 2015 POTP event benefited Martha’s Thrift Store and Food Pantry and the Marion Shepard Cancer Center, in memory of Bob Haynes. Martha’s is a non-profit Christian organization composed totally of volunteers from the community and supported by local churches. The proceeds from the Thrift Store provide the funds to distribute food to the needy in the area. The board, staff and volunteers of Martha’s work hard to provide food and low cost clothing to those in need.

The 2015 POTP committee, chaired by Diana Lambeth and Martha White (not pictured), and Treasurer Linda Woods, presented the board of Martha’s a $4500 donation during their Martha’s monthly board meeting in November.

Approximately 250 boxes of food were distributed in November and December including food for the holiday dinners. This donation will go a long way to continuing the good work of Martha’s and is a good example of how local events can help local charities. Martha’s is located at 857 W. Main St. in Belhaven.

Those who wish to make a donation or volunteer can call 252-943-2124 and ask to speak with Elaine Hudnell, treasurer, or Mildred Bowman, board president.