My name is Shelby White, and I’m a lifelong North Carolinan, living in Sanford, NC since 2022.

My professional mission and personal experience align along the modus of equity and access to nutritious foods, community support, and socioeconomic stability.

This holiday season, my family and I are organizing Community Christmas (Sanford NC) — an initiative to bring warmth, comfort, and care to our neighbors in need. Our goal is to provide blankets, winter coats, socks, baby necessities (like diapers, wipes, warm onesies, and caps), non-perishable foods, and children’s books to families across Sanford and surrounding Lee County communities.

Our Goal

We aim to raise $2,000 to support families during this year’s holiday season.

For every $100 raised, we will be able to provide basic winter coats and warm blankets to a family of four (two adults and two children) and a small box of non-perishable foods.

Once we reach $1,000, additional funds will go toward assembling and enhancing non-perishable food boxes for local families. Each box will include shelf-stable, nutrient-dense foods like canned vegetables, beans, rice, pasta, peanut butter, and cereal — helping families put meals on the table during the coldest months of the year.

All donations, both monetary and in-kind, will go directly toward purchasing and distributing these items the second weekend of December 2025. There are no administrative fees or markups — just neighbors helping neighbors.

Why This Matters

As someone who grew up facing food insecurity, I know firsthand how hard the holidays can be when your basic needs aren’t met. I was one of the many children who relied on SNAP and community generosity to get through tough times.

Today, as a Public Health Nutritionist and former Community Health Education and Promotion Program Manager for Lee County, I’ve seen both the data and the faces behind it — the families doing their best, the parents choosing between bills and meals, the children who deserve joy and warmth no matter the season.

Our nation’s safety nets are shrinking, but our compassion doesn’t have to. Together, we can make sure no child or neighbor in Sanford goes without warmth, food, or hope this holiday season.

How You Can Help

Donate Here on GoFundMe: Every contribution — no matter the size — makes a direct impact.

$10 buys warm socks and gloves.

$25 provides a baby care bundle (diapers, wipes, and a onesie).

$50 helps fill a grocery box with nutritious, shelf-stable foods.

$100 supports a full family with winter coats and blankets.

Donate In-Kind:

If you prefer to donate physical items (blankets, coats, food, books, or baby supplies), please reach out to coordinate shipment, drop-off or pickup.

About the Organizer:

I hold a Master of Public Health (Public Health Nutrition) and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science. For nearly six years, I’ve worked as a Public Health Nutritionist for WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — helping families access healthy food and build strong foundations. Helping others is my calling and facilitating change is my passion.