AHOSKIE – The generosity of one local company extended from employees to children to the elderly.

When Linda Taylor attended her annual Christmas party with Coastal Staffing Service in Ahoskie, she and coworkers were given $100 bills by owners Marie and Don Cunningham. The money came with a note explaining that this year “our gift is the gift of giving to others.”

The note went on to tell employees to take the money and give it to someone to enhance their lives.

Taylor decided she would help two groups as she decided what to do with the $100.

Having recently purchased a pizza pack from the Junior Beta Club at Hertford County Middle School, Taylor knew the club was raising money for their annual state conference.

“I thought children would know more about giving than anyone,” Taylor said. “I asked Ms. Tyree, a teacher and leader of the Junior Beta Club for help.”

Taylor asked the students in the club to write a paper about a person, group or organization that deserved the money. In exchange, Taylor decided to donate $25 of her money to the club trip for the winning entry.

A total of 16 students submitted essays about people they felt should receive the money and Taylor said she was thrilled with the results.

“Even though they are short on money for their trip, none of them asked for the money for themselves or the trip,” she said.

The winning entry came from Dawanna Davis who suggested the $100 benefit Guardian Care in Ahoskie.

“It was great,” Taylor said of the experience.

After calling Guardian Care, Taylor was able to fill 52 gift bags for the residents who attended the nursing home’s Christmas Party.

At the event, Davis read her essay and handed out the bags to the residents.

“It makes you stop and think at Christmas,” Taylor said. “They were very appreciative. It was a big gift for all of us. We just had a great time.”