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Sharing with others over the Holidays

November 29, 2016
If you are hoping to help your child share the joy of Christmas with those that may not have as much as they do it is time to start thinking of ways to do that.

I have compiled information from a number of organizations that you can share with this season.  I am sure there are more out there.  Do you know of one that would be good for our community to know about?  Email me at sandym@macaronikid.com and I will take a look at the info.

1.  Operation Christmas Child.  A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of hearing a young adult share her story of receiving a “shoebox” when she was a child.  I was moved to hear how much receiving a box the size of a shoebox that held things like pencils, crayons, toothpaste, soap as well as a few fun items meant to her.  She made that bar of soap last for months! To find stories such as I heard plus the information of what can go in the shoeboxes, how to pack them, and where to take them go to the website.  Collection week is November 14-21, 2016.  This is a project of Samaritan’s Purse.

2.  The Saint Nicholas Project.  This project provides Christmas gifts, clothes, food and other items to children and families in our community to help ensure that their Christmas are a bit brighter.   The Annual Ingles Magical Christmas Toy Drive is set for Thursday, December 1st through Saturday, Dec 3rd at the Ingles on across from the Dairy Queen.   This is a project of Eblen Charities.     
                       
3.  Hands on Asheville. A number of opportunities are listed for sharing with our community over the holidays as well as throughout the year.  The Christmas Angel Program provides Christmas for children whose families are in crisis.   You can sponsor a family and either deliver the gifts to the family or drop them off at ABCCM offices.  Brighten the Holidays gives you the opportunity to sponsor a Little Brother or Sister for the Holidays. Gifts for this project can be dropped off at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office.   These projects are part of the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County.

4.  Holiday Giving Tree.  Visit the Fairview Library or the Oakley Library and select a book a child from the book giving tree.  Purchase a new book ($10 value) or donate $10 for a book to be purchased for you.

5.  Santa Pal.  Give either a toy or money or both to assistance to families in Asheville.  Santa Pal is part of the Asheville Optimist Club, the longest running Christmas present charity in our area.

6. 
Give a Turkey. Eblen Charities  has given tens of thousands of meals to families for Thanksgiving over the years.  For information on how you can help families by purchasing a turkey for $10, contact Bill Murdock at 828.242.2848.