For 30 years running, Lake Christian Ministries’ A Child’s Christmas program has been bringing joy to kids in the lake community – a tradition that brightens the holidays for hundreds of children. And once again,  LCM will collaborate with over 46 community partners on this effort, easing holiday stress and financial strain that low-income parents and grandparents face when they  cannot afford holiday gifts for their children.  With gift prices at high prices, the need is even greater this year.  

“We are expecting to assist over  800 children in need this year,” predicts program coordinator Dianna Weiner. “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 will have to choose between paying bills and buying Christmas gifts for their children. They’re simply unable to afford both.”

“We have seen a 55% increase in the number of young families with children receiving assistance over the past four years, " explains Jane Winters, LCM’s executive director.  “Providing holiday gifts for 800-plus children would not be possible without the generosity of our wonderful SML community. Lake-area businesses provide collection bins for new toys. Churches, businesses, civic organizations, and individuals purchase personalized gifts for children with direction from Angel Cards. Cash donations help with the costs associated with children who are not handled by Angel Card support. Libraries collect new books for children.  Volunteers organize the children’s sign-up, assign Angel Cards to those who want to purchase gifts, and organize the distribution to families on December 12.  The continued success of this program is possible only because of generous support from our SML community.”

Parents and guardians register children ages 16 years and younger for Christmas gifts at Lake Christian Ministries from October 14 to November 30 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon and from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of October  and November. Program Director Dianna Reaves added, “Many dedicated volunteers help each year to shop, sort, and distribute gifts to ensure that every child experiences the joy of Christmas.  We welcome new volunteers who want to experience the spirit of Christmas at work in our community.”

HOW YOU CAN YOU HELP MAKE CHRISTMAS MERRY FOR CHILDREN IN NEED?

Purchase a new toy and drop it off at one of the toy collection locations. Or, stop by one of our Angel Card partners and purchase and donate gifts indicated on the personalized Angel Card for each child. Listed inside this newsletter are the toy and book collection sites and Angel Card Partner locations.  

To learn other ways you can help, contact program coordinator Dianna Reaves at diannaelaine57@yahoo.com. Monetary donations to support A Child’s Christmas can be sent to Lake Christian Ministries, P.O. Box 695, Moneta, VA, 24121 with a memo designating “Children’s Programs.”

The deadline for books, toys, and Angel Card gifts is December 3rd.  We are grateful for the participation of the Christmas elves in our SML community!   

 A Child’s Christmas Program Expects to Delight Over 800 Children This Year!

2026 A Child’s Christmas Book & Toy Collection Sites and Angel Card Partner Locations

Book Collection Sites 

Moneta Library

Westlake Library

Toy Collection Sites

Antique Mall & Mayberry Furniture

Body Shoppe Fitness

Capps Home Building Center

Crosswhite Fitness Center

Dollar General Stores - Westlake, Bluewater Drive, Glenwood, Union Hall, and Moneta in partnership

   with Sea Tow SML

Glenwood Hardware & Supply

Hot Shots Family Fun Center

Mama Ann’s Gifts & Goodies

Rehab Associates

SML Coffeehouse 

Wake Cafe

Westlake Automotive

Angel Card Partners  

Antique Mall & Mayberry Furniture

Bedford Masonic Lodge

Bethlehem United Methodist Church

Cilantro’s Mexican Grill

Crosswhite Fitness Center

Epworth United Methodist Church

Hot Shots Family Fun Center      

Mariners Landing

Napoli Cowboy

Napoli by the Lake

Patmos United Methodist Church

Resurrection Catholic Church

Salvation Army -Franklin County

Trinity Ecumenical Parish

Westlake Library

Children’s Coats & Pajamas

AndPower

Christ Community Church

Fraternal Order of Eagles #4344 

  2026 Walk to End Poverty Was a Huge Success

The SML Walk to End Poverty, held on September 19 at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, enjoyed a turnout of over 300 participants representing church, neighborhood, business, school, and organization teams. All told, over $170,232 was raised to support LCM’s programs that assist local families who are struggling with poverty.

“These funds are needed now more than ever before,” said Jane Winters, executive director of Lake Christian Ministries. “Over the past four years, we have seen a 55% increase in the number of families who have received food, crisis financial aid, and New Tomorrows Program services from Lake Christian Ministries. We are extremely grateful for the unbelievable community support. Generous event sponsors offered matching funds for the first $55,000 donated; contributions from individuals, churches, schools, organizations, and other businesses pushed our total raised to the 2nd highest in LCM Walk history.”

Winters said the funds raised will be put to work immediately to assist the growing number of families affected by prolonged high costs for rent, utilities, food, clothing, and transportation.

Team honors went to the Trinity Walkers from Trinity Ecumenical Parish, which recorded the largest team contribution at $23,586. The Bethlehem Souls from Bethlehem United Methodist Church brought the most participants, with 38.

Sponsors of the 2026 SML Walk to End Poverty included Capps Home Building Center and two anonymous donors. Supporting sponsors were Jo & Co. Jewelers, Body Shoppe Fitness, Centra, Gilbert Law, Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital, Eastman Construction, Southside Electric Cooperative, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, SML Fraternal Order of Eagles # 4344 and SML Insiders.

"It was a spectacular fall morning and a beautiful testament to the caring community we are so fortunate to be a part of," Winters summarized. “We look forward to the 2027 Walk to End Poverty and hope all of our sponsors, team leaders, walkers, and supporters will be back once again to help LCM impact poverty in the SML community.” 

Dine Out to Lift Up Serves Up Community Support

After raising $5,460 in its inaugural year, Dine Out to Lift Up returns August 19 through September 19 with even more opportunities to support Lake Christian Ministries in the four weeks leading up to the SML Walk to End Poverty.

Organized in partnership with SML Insiders, this month-long fundraiser invites you to dine at participating restaurants, where 10% of your purchase on designated dates will benefit LCM’s food assistance programs.

We're continuing to add restaurants, so be sure to visit dineouttoliftup.com for the latest participating locations and dates. Organize a group of friends to join you for Dine Out to Lift Up evenings at your favorite SML restaurants. This is one of the easiest (and tastiest!) ways to support your neighbors in need!