Each year, during the holiday season, Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry (“Outreach”) helps low income community members provide the simple blessing of a holiday meal or a Christmas gift for their families.

Many Polk County families are struggling to make ends meet and have members who are unemployed, under-employed or facing the rising cost of living with stagnant wages. For these families, a special meal at Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner and even Christmas gifts may be impossible to afford.

Fortunately, Outreach is focusing once again on raising funds for this special need. Outreach will use contributions designated for the Holiday Fund to provide families with grocery store gift-cards that can be used to purchase Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. The Holiday Fund also enables Outreach to secure at least one Christmas gift for each child (0-12) or senior citizen (60+) who qualifies for the Holiday Program.

Additionally, Outreach is beginning its Holiday Angel Drive. Wooden Christmas trees decorated with ‘Holiday Angel Cards’ have been distributed throughout Polk County. Each Angel Card has the first name of a child or senior who is available to ‘adopt’ for Christmas. Last year, Outreach served over 400 families (representing over 2,700 individuals) through this special holiday program. This year, the local nonprofit organization expects the need to be even greater.

“Our community is a very caring and generous one, and the support for our Holiday Program is incredible,” said Michelle Reedy, Outreach’s Client Services Manager. “Churches, businesses, community organizations and individuals ‘adopt’ children and seniors each year and the number of gifts donated for these children and seniors is just staggering.  People find great joy in sharing with others – especially during this season.”

If you would like to help make this a very special holiday for families and children in need, please send a check to:

Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry
PO Box 834
Columbus, NC 28722

Please write in HOLIDAY FUND in the memo section of your check.  As always, your gift is greatly appreciated. If you would like to know more about how you can participate in the Holiday Angel Program, please contact Michelle Reedy at 828-894-2988.

– Submitted by Wendy Thomas