Matthew not dimming holiday spirit at Goldsboro Salvation Army

Stephon Walls said he came to the Salvation Army hoping for a Christmas miracle.

"I've been worried about how I was going to do Christmas with paying bills and all that stuff," he said.

Walls wanted a few gifts for his baby girl, but Hurricane Matthew made tough times even more difficult.

He said he lost his car and his livelihood.

"That was transportation back and forth, getting the baby to appointments and to work," Walls said.

Officials with the Salvation Army said they have been seeing a lot of last minute emergency cases, mostly due to the hurricane.

"People's thoughts were not focused on Christmas," said Sherrie Stokes, with the Salvation Army of Wayne and Sampson counties. "They were focused on the here and now. What can I do to get stable right now?"

The Salvation Army was also recently hit by thieves who stole more than 40 bikes. Officials said the community replaced the stolen items and then some.

"Our community is just so generous, we are just so thankful for that," Stokes said.

The community's generous spirit has helped the Salvation Army serve more than 200 families this holiday season.

It means Wall will not only receive a few toys for his baby, but also diapers, a gift card and a box of food.

"Me and my girlfriend have been praying and trusting God and he's been coming through," Walls said. "They said he might not come when you want, but he comes on time and this is right on time."

The Salvation Army said they are still accepting donations. They said the best way to donate it to give to a red kettle.