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.
— Booker T. Washington