ABCCM launches its annual Christmas Angel Shop Wednesday, December 29th in
the fellowship hall at Abernethy United Methodist Church, 1418 Patton Avenue,
Asheville, NC 28806, to provide Christmas gifts to children of families in need. Last year
640 families with 1,668 children were on the list, and this year ABCCM anticipates even
more.
With 28,748 Buncombe County residents living below poverty level, there is a consistent
need to help individuals and families in our community. But this year is extraordinary.
The impact the increased cost of living has had on families and individuals is
immeasurable. Unemployment and lack of insurance has left otherwise self-sustaining
individuals and families with children homeless, without medical care, behind on their
rent, utilities shut off, and a lack of food on the table. Families are having to choose
between putting food on the table, filling their car with gas, and Christmas gifts for their
children.
ABCCM Executive Director, Reverend Scott Rogers says, “We are thankful for our
sponsors of Christmas Angel Trees: First Citizens Bank at all Buncombe County
locations, Country Club of Asheville, Biltmore Estate, Yesterday’s Tree, Chick-Fil-A,
Duke Energy, First Bank, Perfection Gear, Blue West Opportunities, New Life Church,
The Rock Church, Trinity Presbyterian, and we hope many more will join them.”
Rev. Rogers encourages those wishing to buy Christmas gifts or those wanting to
sponsor a family to go to the Christmas Angel page to sign up:
https://www.abccm.org/Christmas-Angel. Businesses can put up a Christmas Angel
Tree and encourage customers to pick a child’s name and purchase age-appropriate
presents and take those to the Christmas Angel Shop in the fellowship hall at Abernethy
UMC church on Patton Ave. next to Anders-Rice Funeral Home.
“There are several options for people willing and able to help,” says ABCCM Special
Events Coordinator Jordan Linkston. “At abccm.org/Christmas-Angel, you will see the
many ways you can participate with the Christmas Angel program. You can volunteer to
help at the Christmas Shop, purchase toys for a family or children, or make a donation.
Since ABCCM is church-owned and volunteer-led, 94¢ of every dollar you contribute
goes directly to serve those in need.”
According to Jordan, the need for Christmas Angel is greater this year than ever. “Last
year Christmas Angel served 640 families with 1,668 children,” she says. “This year
there may be even more. Will you please add a few to your Christmas list? Here at
ABCCM we believe in the wonder and meaning of Christmas. We believe in wide-eyed
children opening presents from their parents on Christmas morning, and sharing the
love of Christ in this way with families going through some of the hardest of times. We
believe that every child should feel loved and cared for! There are so many families in
crisis and worried about jobs, how they will pay the rent or the utilities, and putting food
on the table. ABCCM’s Christmas Angel program is committed to filling those gaps for
families by providing Christmas presents for their children. Please join us by ‘Sharing
Your Love with a Child and Family’ – be one of our many Christmas Angels who help
parents brighten Christmas morning for their children.”
