What's New at Lake Christian Ministries
SML Christmas Spirit is Alive and Well for “A Child’s Christmas”
Over the past 27 years, Lake Christian Ministries’ “A Child’s Christmas” has been made possible by support from churches, businesses, civic groups, and individuals who find bringing joy to local children of financially-strained families a meaningful part of their holidays. This year is no exception. Although, inflation has elevated the price of gifts and created a significant increase in local need, the spirit and generosity of the SML community is alive and well. On December 16, Lake Christian Ministries distributed toys and warm clothing that will bring joy and hope for 680 children in need this Christmas.
“This year, we had a 46% increase in the number of children registered for the program. Prolonged inflation has caused significant financial strain on low-income families, many had to choose between paying bills and buying Christmas gifts for their children. Most are unable to afford both,” explains Jane Winters, executive director of Lake Christian Ministries.
“‘A Child’s Christmas’ is a true blessing for hundreds of children in need each year. This year we knew the needs were greater. We have seen a 35% increase in the number of families who are coming to Lake Christian Ministries for food and financial aid assistance. We just never dreamed that the number of children who were facing a Christmas without gifts would grow from 464 in 2022 to 680 in 2023. I was worried about how our organization, which was already having budget constraints, could address children’s needs this Christmas. Our amazing community rose to the occasion to help us fulfill the significant increase in Christmas wishes for 680 vulnerable children! The continued success of this program is possible because of the generous support of our warm and wonderful SML community,” Winters added.
“We are thankful for the support and generosity of everyone who helped with A Child’s Christmas,” says program leader Diana Wiener. “This year, over 60 lake-area businesses, churches, civic groups and individuals helped us provide A Child’s Christmas.”
There are many ways that the community supports this special holiday program. Businesses and civic groups provided toy collection bins throughout the community. Churches, businesses, civic organizations and individuals also purchased personalized gifts for children with direction from Angel Cards or provided cash donations that were utilized to purchase gifts. Libraries collected new books for children.
Parents and guardians registered children ages 16 years and younger for “A Child’s Christmas” at Lake Christian Ministries during October and November. LCM and Bethlehem United Methodist volunteers organized the children’s sign-up; assigned Angel Cards to those who wanted to purchase gifts; and organized the distribution to families. A list of the businesses, churches and civic groups who helped bring “A Child’s Christmas” to 680 local children in need this year is provided below.
“This year, we had a 46% increase in the number of children registered for the program. Prolonged inflation has caused significant financial strain on low-income families, many had to choose between paying bills and buying Christmas gifts for their children. Most are unable to afford both,” explains Jane Winters, executive director of Lake Christian Ministries.
“‘A Child’s Christmas’ is a true blessing for hundreds of children in need each year. This year we knew the needs were greater. We have seen a 35% increase in the number of families who are coming to Lake Christian Ministries for food and financial aid assistance. We just never dreamed that the number of children who were facing a Christmas without gifts would grow from 464 in 2022 to 680 in 2023. I was worried about how our organization, which was already having budget constraints, could address children’s needs this Christmas. Our amazing community rose to the occasion to help us fulfill the significant increase in Christmas wishes for 680 vulnerable children! The continued success of this program is possible because of the generous support of our warm and wonderful SML community,” Winters added.
“We are thankful for the support and generosity of everyone who helped with A Child’s Christmas,” says program leader Diana Wiener. “This year, over 60 lake-area businesses, churches, civic groups and individuals helped us provide A Child’s Christmas.”
There are many ways that the community supports this special holiday program. Businesses and civic groups provided toy collection bins throughout the community. Churches, businesses, civic organizations and individuals also purchased personalized gifts for children with direction from Angel Cards or provided cash donations that were utilized to purchase gifts. Libraries collected new books for children.
Parents and guardians registered children ages 16 years and younger for “A Child’s Christmas” at Lake Christian Ministries during October and November. LCM and Bethlehem United Methodist volunteers organized the children’s sign-up; assigned Angel Cards to those who wanted to purchase gifts; and organized the distribution to families. A list of the businesses, churches and civic groups who helped bring “A Child’s Christmas” to 680 local children in need this year is provided below.
A Child’s Christmas Toy & Book Collection Sites
and Angel Tree Partners
and Angel Tree Partners
Thank you to everyone who helped make A Child’s Christmas 2023 a success for over 680 children in need. Books and toys were collected at the following locations and the Angel Card Partners listed below provided Angel Cards to the community to purchase personalized gifts and clothing wishes for children. Several churches also provided donations to purchase coats and other designated clothing items needed for children. We are grateful for the generosity of these special Christmas elves!
Book Collection Sites
Moneta Library
Westlake Library
Toy Collection Sites
Antique Mall & Mayberry Furniture
Body Shoppe Fitness
Evie’s SML Coffeehouse
Hot Shots Family Fun Center
Keller Williams SML Office
Rehab Associates
SML Coffeehouse
Westlake Auto
Dollar General Stores - Westlake, Bluewater Drive, Union Hall & Moneta in partnership with Sea Tow SML
Sea Tow SML
Angel Card Partners
Epworth United Methodist Church
Patmos United Methodist Church
Bethlehem United Methodist Church
Cilantros
Crosswhite Fitness Center
Hot Shots Family Fun Center
Mariners Landing
Resurrection Catholic Church
Trinity Ecumenical Parish
Westlake Library
SML Heating & Cooling
Children’s Coats
Christ Community Church Donors
Book Collection Sites
Moneta Library
Westlake Library
Toy Collection Sites
Antique Mall & Mayberry Furniture
Body Shoppe Fitness
Evie’s SML Coffeehouse
Hot Shots Family Fun Center
Keller Williams SML Office
Rehab Associates
SML Coffeehouse
Westlake Auto
Dollar General Stores - Westlake, Bluewater Drive, Union Hall & Moneta in partnership with Sea Tow SML
Sea Tow SML
Angel Card Partners
Epworth United Methodist Church
Patmos United Methodist Church
Bethlehem United Methodist Church
Cilantros
Crosswhite Fitness Center
Hot Shots Family Fun Center
Mariners Landing
Resurrection Catholic Church
Trinity Ecumenical Parish
Westlake Library
SML Heating & Cooling
Children’s Coats
Christ Community Church Donors