What's New at Lake Christian Ministries
SML Community Embraces “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. One example of this support is the annual toy drive conducted by Sea Tow SML. The group has conducted an annual toy drive since the boater-assistance franchise was established here in 2009.
For the past 14 years, Sea Tow SML co-owner Captain Nancy Ellett has spent Saturdays and Sundays from Thanksgiving to mid-December greeting customers who arrive to shop at one of the four area Dollar General stores. Dressed in a kid-friendly “Olaf” or Grinch costume, she stands near a small boat trailer with a yellow Sea Tow dinghy that serves as a toy depository. She encourages shoppers to pick up toys for children in families who can’t afford gifts and drop them in the dinghy when they leave.
“Sometimes it’s cold out there, but the warmth exhibited by so many of Dollar General’s customers makes it all worthwhile,” Nancy says. “It’s very evident that the Christmas spirit is alive and well at Smith Mountain Lake.”
“This year over 3,300 toys were collected this summer by the area Dollar General stores and presented to Sea Tow at the store’s district managers’ meeting held in August. This was an incredible start for our 2023 toy collection!” Nancy said.
“We are thankful for support and generosity of everyone who helps with A Child’s Christmas,” says program leader Diana Wiener. “The amount of toys collected through Sea Tow SML’s partnership with Dollar General is nothing short of spectacular.”
“This year, with inflation causing even more financial strain on low-income families, many more will have 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 vulnerable children. This year we anticipate over 600 children will receive gifts and warm clothes through this special holiday program.”
There are many ways the Lake community can support “A Child’s Christmas.” Several 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 or provide cash donations that are utilized to purchase gifts. Libraries collect new books for children. LCM volunteers organize the children’s sign-up; assign Angel Cards to those who want to purchase gifts; and organize the distribution to families on the Saturday before Christmas. “The continued success of this program is possible because of the generous support that our SML community traditionally provides,” Winters added.
Parents and guardians can register children ages 16 years and younger for a Child’s Christmas at Lake Christian Ministries on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon through November 23. Last year, this program brought holiday joy to 476 local children.
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. We welcome new volunteers who want to experience the spirit of Christmas at work in our community.”
HOW 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 listed in this newsletter, or stop by one of Lake Christian Ministries’ Angel Card partners, also shown, and pick up an Angel Card to purchase and donate a
personalized gift listed for the child. For an ever-growing list of “A Child’s Christmas” toy and book collection sites and Angel Card Partners, visit LakeChristianMinistries.org.
To learn how you can help, contact program coordinators Dianna Weiner, diannaelaine57@yahoo.com, or Lynda Imirie, fredlynda@aol.com. Cash donations to support A Child’s Christmas can also be sent to Lake Christian Ministries, P.O. Box 695, Moneta, VA, 24121 with a memo designating Children’s Programs.
For the past 14 years, Sea Tow SML co-owner Captain Nancy Ellett has spent Saturdays and Sundays from Thanksgiving to mid-December greeting customers who arrive to shop at one of the four area Dollar General stores. Dressed in a kid-friendly “Olaf” or Grinch costume, she stands near a small boat trailer with a yellow Sea Tow dinghy that serves as a toy depository. She encourages shoppers to pick up toys for children in families who can’t afford gifts and drop them in the dinghy when they leave.
“Sometimes it’s cold out there, but the warmth exhibited by so many of Dollar General’s customers makes it all worthwhile,” Nancy says. “It’s very evident that the Christmas spirit is alive and well at Smith Mountain Lake.”
“This year over 3,300 toys were collected this summer by the area Dollar General stores and presented to Sea Tow at the store’s district managers’ meeting held in August. This was an incredible start for our 2023 toy collection!” Nancy said.
“We are thankful for support and generosity of everyone who helps with A Child’s Christmas,” says program leader Diana Wiener. “The amount of toys collected through Sea Tow SML’s partnership with Dollar General is nothing short of spectacular.”
“This year, with inflation causing even more financial strain on low-income families, many more will have 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 vulnerable children. This year we anticipate over 600 children will receive gifts and warm clothes through this special holiday program.”
There are many ways the Lake community can support “A Child’s Christmas.” Several 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 or provide cash donations that are utilized to purchase gifts. Libraries collect new books for children. LCM volunteers organize the children’s sign-up; assign Angel Cards to those who want to purchase gifts; and organize the distribution to families on the Saturday before Christmas. “The continued success of this program is possible because of the generous support that our SML community traditionally provides,” Winters added.
Parents and guardians can register children ages 16 years and younger for a Child’s Christmas at Lake Christian Ministries on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon through November 23. Last year, this program brought holiday joy to 476 local children.
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. We welcome new volunteers who want to experience the spirit of Christmas at work in our community.”
HOW 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 listed in this newsletter, or stop by one of Lake Christian Ministries’ Angel Card partners, also shown, and pick up an Angel Card to purchase and donate a
personalized gift listed for the child. For an ever-growing list of “A Child’s Christmas” toy and book collection sites and Angel Card Partners, visit LakeChristianMinistries.org.
To learn how you can help, contact program coordinators Dianna Weiner, diannaelaine57@yahoo.com, or Lynda Imirie, fredlynda@aol.com. Cash donations to support A Child’s Christmas can also be sent to Lake Christian Ministries, P.O. Box 695, Moneta, VA, 24121 with a memo designating Children’s Programs.
A Child’s Christmas Toy & Book Collection Sites
and Angel Tree Partners
and Angel Tree Partners
Books and toys will be collected at the following locations and the Angel Card Partners listed below will have Angel Cards available with personalized gifts and clothing wishes through December 5. 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 and Moneta in partnership with 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
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 and Moneta in partnership with 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
Children’s Coats
Christ Community Church Donors