People across the nation are suffering from tough economic times, and now merchants are starting to worry how it will affect the holiday season.
But, with Halloween just days away, pumpkin sales are giving local economies a little boost, and some pumpkin patch owners in the Pee Dee are using their profits to make a difference.
Picking the perfect pumpkin can be a tough choice: they're big, small, round, or just funny looking.
Neal Woods runs the pumpkin patch at Highland Park Methodist Church in Florence, and said it doesn't matter what the shape, as long as it sells.
"I think we've sold a little over $8000 worth," he said.
Most of the 1300 pumpkins there have already sold, and Woods said the profit will buy Christmas gifts for people in Florence who can't afford them otherwise.
"Last year we were able to adopt an 8-member family, had a wonderful time just going to the stores and shopping for gifts and wrapping them and sending them off," Woods said.
Across town, this is the first year Ebenezer Baptist Church is selling pumpkins, and Walter Connor said their profits go to the less fortunate around the world.
"Most people are going to buy this anyway, and if there's a way that they can do it and help with a good cause supporting the church, but also supporting people in a third world country, they're very willing to do it," Connor said.
Tough economic times don't seem to be affecting the pumpkin patches.
"We've had a great year, so they've been very supportive of our fundraiser," Woods said.
Selling more pumpkins than ever before, means more giving back to the community, at a time when its needed the most.
It's not too late to get your pumpkin. Most patches are open until Halloween night.
