Lake Christian Ministries News
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A Child’s Christmas Program Brings Holiday Joy to 778 Children in Need!
Over the past 28 years, Lake Christian Ministries’ A Child’s Christmas program has become a holiday tradition in the lake community. Each year, LCM collaborates with the SML community to bring joy to local children through this special holiday effort. This program helps ease the financial strain that many low-income families face when they cannot afford Christmas gifts for their children. Last year, this program provided a warm coat and holiday gift for 674 local children.
“For Christmas 2024, our volunteers and the generous SML community provided warm coats and toys for 778 local children in need. This is a 15% increase over 2023 and a 36% increase over 2022,” commented Jane Winters, LCM’s Executive Director. “Rising costs for food, rent and utilities affect us all, but families at the bottom of the economic ladder are hit the hardest. A growing number of low-income families had to choose between paying bills and buying Christmas gifts for their children. Most are unable to afford both.”
“We have seen a 74% increase in the number of young families with children receiving assistance from Lake Christian Ministries over the past two years, explains Winters. “Providing holiday gifts for 778 children would not be possible without the generosity of our wonderful SML community. Lake-area businesses provided collection bins for new toys. Churches, businesses, civic organizations and individuals purchased personalized gifts for children with direction from Angel Cards or provided cash donations. Libraries and a local book club collected and donated new books for children. Volunteers organized the children’s sign-up; assigned Angel Cards to those who want to purchase gifts; and organized the distribution of gifts to families on December 14. The continued success of this major undertaking is made possible by the generous support from our SML community.”
Parents and guardians registered children ages 16 years and younger for Christmas gifts at Lake Christian Ministries from October 1 through November 27. A Child’s Christmas Program Director Dianna Weiner added, “Many dedicated volunteers help each year to shop, sort and distribute gifts to ensure that every child experiences the joy of Christmas. Each year, we welcome new volunteers who want to experience the spirit of Christmas at work in our community.”
To learn more about how you can help next year, contact program coordinator Dianna Weiner at diannaelaine57@yahoo.com. Provided below is a list of toy and book collection sites, Angel Card Partners, and donors who provided coats, bikes, and general support for the 2024 program. Lake Christian Ministries is grateful for the generous support from Christmas elves in the SML community who work hard each year to bring joy and hope to children in need each Christmas!
Book Collection Sites & Book Donors
Moneta & Westlake Libraries
Betsy McMillon Book Club
Toy Collection Sites
Antique Mall & Mayberry Furniture
Body Shoppe Fitness
Capps Home Building Center
Smith Mountain Lake Civitan Club
Hot Shots Family Fun Center
Keller Williams SML Office
Mama Ann’s
Rehab Associates
SML Coffeehouse
Simmons Insurance Company
Wake Café
Westlake Automotive
Dollar General Stores - Westlake, Bluewater Drive, Union Hall and Moneta
Sea Tow SML
Angel Card Partners
Antique Mall & Mayberry Furniture
Epworth United Methodist Church
Patmos United Methodist Church
Bethlehem United Methodist Church
Cilantros Mexican Grill
Crosswhite Fitness Center
Hot Shots Family Fun Center
Mariners Landing
Bedford Masonic Lodge #244
Napoli Cowboy
Napoli by the Lake
Resurrection Catholic Church
Trinity Ecumenical Parish
Westlake Library
Children’s Coats and Bike Donations
Christ Community Church – Coats
Cummins Sales & Service – Bikes
Fraternal Order of Eagles #4344 & Ladies Auxiliary – Coats
General Program Support
Deb Beran Properties – Moving Truck
Moneta Medical Center – Storage of Toys and Clothing
Plus many more anonymous business and individual donors
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”