Crossnore’s surrounding communities have once again demonstrated extraordinary generosity and love. They wrapped their arms around our growing campus programs this holiday season. Individuals, organizations, and groups provided heartfelt gifts, needed supplies, and cherished memory-making experiences. Together, they made a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve across all three regions.
Magic for the Holidays
On our Winston campus, the dining hall transformed into a winter wonderland, creating a beautifully festive and welcoming atmosphere. Meanwhile, in Avery, staff brought the season’s beauty to life by creating stunning wreaths that adorned our cottages and buildings. These beautiful touches add magic to our holiday season year after year.
Thanks to giving friends, tickets for a magical Polar Express experience created unforgettable memories for our students. Each gift reflected the care and compassion of those who made this season truly special.
Gifts of All Kinds
Restaurant gift cards provided invaluable support, helping families in need find stability throughout the year. A generous individual provided essential items for a one-month-old in foster care, ensuring the new placement was met with comfort and care!
In addition to the “wants,” many community friends supplied essential needs, including new coats and enough diapers and wipes to last until May. Volunteers donated more than 150 personalized pajama sets, thoughtfully tailoring each one to the child’s size, interests, and favorite colors. These contributions provide continued stability for children and those who care for them.
Alumni, inspired by fond memories of their time here, returned to our campuses with gifts and financial donations. Their support helps sustain long-cherished traditions. Churches rallied their congregations with themed giving trees and ongoing support, creating a ripple effect of generosity.
Making a Difference
Partnerships played a vital role in making this holiday season unforgettable. Bike deliveries brought smiles to children’s faces. Collaborative efforts also supported “The Shoppes,” a cluster of on-campus “stores” for those in community and campus-based foster care, where therapists and case managers picked out gifts for clients. Another generous sponsorship allowed Bridging Families© to purchase gift cards to shop directly with the biological parents of the children in their care.
Organizations, DAR groups from all over the country, and 40 individuals from New York to Florida helped fulfill 138 individual children’s wish lists. They chose each gift with love, reflecting the time spent learning about each child’s preferences and interests. In addition, they individually purchased hundreds of gifts from our Amazon wish lists. Our Western NC list helped fill Santa’s Workshop, a partnership with Foster Family Alliance of NC, which allowed foster and kinship families across WNC to “shop” for the children in their care. Through this partnership, Crossnore helped support an additional 150 families and helped more than 300 children have a very merry holiday season.
Fulfilling a Wish
For children like Kayla, these acts of kindness are life-changing. This year, after three Christmases, Kayla finally received the one gift she had been wishing for—authentic Apple AirPods. The moment she opened her gift, she squealed with delight, her face lighting up with pure joy.
While our wish list sponsors may never hear these squeals or see the beaming smiles, the impact of their generosity is profound and lasting. Their kindness creates not just moments of happiness but cherished memories that children like Kayla will carry with them forever.
Thankful for our Community
Planning for the holidays begins in July, and we hit the ground running on October first. But this year, preparations faced an unexpected halt due to Hurricane Helene. As recovery efforts took priority, our widespread community rallied to help, with wish list sponsors and donations coming in from across the country. From individuals who thoughtfully fulfilled wish lists to DAR groups, businesses, and faith communities who supported campus-wide needs, we are deeply grateful for every act of kindness.
Your generosity not only brings joy during the holidays but also provides lasting support throughout the year. Thank you for being part of our family. Together, we create brighter futures, one child at a time.
