Heartwarming Holiday Spirit Shines in Arden
Arden, N.C. has recently transformed into a hub of festive cheer as a massive semi-truck filled with toys rolled into the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) warehouse on Thursday, December 12. This generous donation is part of the annual service project organized by Saint Mary Catholic Church in Leipsic, Ohio. Their mission? To bring joy and smiles to children in the area this Christmas season.
An Inspired Mission
Every year, the good folks at Saint Mary Catholic Church look for a way to give back during the holiday season. This year, when Hurricane Helene disrupted many lives, their hearts went out to the families impacted in Western North Carolina. Realizing the increasing need for support, the local church decided to step up and lend a helping hand.
After some research, they discovered the Christmas Angel Program run by ABCCM, a worthy cause that aims to provide toys and joy to children during the holidays. They set to work to gather as many toys as possible for the program.
A Toy Wonderland
When the church initially planned their toy drive, they expected to bring a modest number of items. However, they were pleasantly surprised when the final count jumped dramatically. “We were going to bring a trailer originally, but it [the number of toys] grew. So, we’re just excited to be here,” said Father Randy Giesige from Saint Mary Catholic Church. And it’s easy to see why! The final haul consisted of an astonishing nearly $100,000 worth of toys.
Personal Touch
The generosity didn’t just stop with donations from parishioners. Father Giesige shared that over $23,000 in funds were contributed, allowing him to go on a month-long shopping spree for the kids. “It was a lot of fun!” he noted with a smile. The excitement in his voice was contagious as he spoke about the joy of selecting toys that would soon bring happiness to local children.
Community Togetherness
This heartwarming act of kindness is a shining example of community spirit. Local leaders, volunteers, and countless individuals have come together, united in the belief that every child deserves something special during the holidays. The toys collected will not just be ordinary gifts; they represent hope, love, and the thoughtfulness of a whole community rallying together.
ABCCM’s Role
ABCCM, renowned for its commitment to serving those in need, eagerly welcomed the toy delivery for their Christmas Angel Program. With the increased need for resources this year, especially in the wake of Hurricane Helene, the support from Saint Mary Catholic Church couldn’t have come at a better time. Code Purple programs have been activated to provide refuge and resources for those in dire circumstances, demonstrating that communal support is vital when dealing with natural disasters and their aftermath.
A Lasting Impact
As the holiday season progresses, it’s essential to remember that while many will receive gifts, the real magic lies in the giving spirit that binds the community together. This heartfelt contribution from Saint Mary Catholic Church not only brightens the holidays for local kids but also serves as a reminder that compassion and love can profoundly impact lives.
In a time when the world can sometimes feel overwhelming, the kindness demonstrated in Arden, N.C. is a testament to the goodness that thrives in our communities. Let’s celebrate this holiday season by spreading joy and sharing in the spirit of giving.
