GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Frank Marullo walked into United Way of Gaston County Tuesday for one of its Seniors Christmas Wishes gift bags.

What You Need To Know

  • An additional $10,000 in donations this year allowed United Way of Gaston County to help double the number of seniors it serves

  • Donations and gifted items from local churches, like City Church and Mt. Zion Restoration, made this year’s Senior Christmas Wishes extra special

  • Andrea Stephens of United Way said last year they served 291 seniors through their Christmas Wishes give away. This year, they’ll serve more than 540 seniors

He expected toiletries and left with so much more. First, a portable vacuum cleaner took his breath away. 

“Oh, that’s what I needed. That is what I needed,” he said. “Thank you so much. Wow!”

He told local chapter president Andrea Stephens why United Way's gifts warmed his heart. 

“We would give every week out of our check to United Way. I remember that,” he said. 

Weekly contributions he’d made as a working man have now returned to him. 

“And now I never would’ve dreamt that the time would come that I would reap from that. And, it is such a blessing. Thank you so much,” Marullo said. 

It’s all made possible by Stephens and her team. This is their fourth year of Seniors Christmas Wishes. And thanks to an additional $10,000 in donations and gifts, they’re able to help double the number of seniors they serve compared to last year. 

Stephens said last year they served 291 seniors. This year, thanks to all the additional donations, they’ll serve more than 540 seniors.

She added the full-circle moment with Marullo speaks to United Way’s mission. 

“This organization was founded on workplace campaigns,” Stephens said. “And, to have someone who has been a giver for so many years now be a recipient from the United Way, it’s overwhelming. It’s emotional. And it just touches my heart on another level.” 

To help United Way, visit its website.