The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us.  Last week as I was running errands, trying to make sure that gifts were purchased and ready to be wrapped to place underneath our family’s Christmas Tree.  While I was out, I received a text message from a dear friend in my Bible Study Group. This is what she asked us to pray for:

“I am asking for some prayers.  Prayers that all the needs of WCS children are met.  My heart is breaking for the number of kids that don’t want  Christmas break.  That don’t want to forgo two warm meals and a safe place to go daily.  

Pray for the educators scrambling to meet all the needs.  Pray for the right words to offer encouragement.  Pray for their little hearts to know Jesus and the reason for the season.  

This text literally took my breath away.  I was saddened and ashamed that I was unaware of such need in my own backyard.  Another dear friend in my bible study group and I felt a calling to do something.  She is an incredible artist, and felt like she could use her talent to help raise money for local children in need.  Based on the overwhelming response of her clients, as well as our local community, we decided to partner together to try to make a difference in the lives of these families this holiday season, and beyond.  

Artist, Christie Younger, painted the “Angel of Hope”, and is graciously giving all profits from the sale of these paintings to help children living in impoverished situations in Wilkes County, North Carolina.  The need is so great, especially given the state of today’s economy.  

Christie delivered several paintings that are on display in Fruit of the Vine Boutique.  They may be purchased in-store, or online.  Money will be used to create and keep stocked “Hygiene Closets” for our local Title One schools. We will also work to provide clothing such as new underwear, socks, coats, shoes, gloves, and hats. Monies will also be used to fund individual schools’ Benevolence Funds. We will shop and deliver groceries directly to families or provide groceries to educators to deliver to the children they service.

Fruit of the Vine Boutique will also serve as a drop point for non-perishable food donations and gently used clothing.  (Some families have access to a microwave, but not a refrigerator, so items such as shelf-stable milk, easy mac, chef boyardee, Little Debbie Cakes, etc. are such a blessing.)  

Please feel free to contact [email protected] if you have any questions, or know of a family in need in Wilkes County, North Carolina.  

God Bless You!

Beth