An event with only two weeks of preparation helped a good number of Kinston citizens.
Starz Restaurant and Lounge had its first annual “Christmas at Starz” event Saturday, serving food and giving away toys and clothes.
Starz owner Edward Hardy and volunteers had a float in the Kinston-Lenoir County Christmas parade, but made it back to the restaurant to assist residents who came well before noon, the initial start of the event.
“It’s a huge success to me,” Hardy said. “We had helped out 50 people before we even opened. We like seeing people happy, because it makes us happy and gives the assurance that we did a good job.”
Jeanette Rosenboro, the pastor of New Life Deliverance Community Church said the event was something planned from a conversation between herself, Hardy and Hardy’s fiancée, Felicia Knight. Rosenboro believed the event would be good, but didn’t expect so many people.
“We wanted to be a blessing to the community,” Rosenboro said. “We made the event open and free to the public, and didn’t know how many people would come. It was amazing to see how many people turned out to the event.”
Children also wrote letters to soldiers overseas, with the Kinston-Lenoir County Red Cross expected to mail them on Monday.
Hazel Lawson, who volunteered at the event, said she had no problem helping out those in attendance.
“This is family,” Lawson said. “We’re giving back to the community with food, toys and clothes for the kids. I didn’t expect the turnout to be like this.”
Shaniya Washington, 13, said she liked what the event stood for, along the lines of helping those who could use the toys and clothes.
“They’re donating to people who may not have things for Christmas,” Washington said.
Shaniya’s brother, Alton, 10, said he liked the event, and had his eyes set on a certain toy.
“I want a wrestling ring,” he said.
Hardy said he’s already anticipating next year.
“Next year we’ll have more time to prepare, so we’ll be able to make it an even bigger event,” Hardy said.
Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.