One thousand children. One thousand Ashe County children who might not be opening presents on Christmas morning unless you help. Last year, thanks to generous Ashe County citizens, the project served over 620. This year, the group hopes to serve one thousand with your help.

This is the annual Children’s Christmas Project, established more than 25 years ago and still striving to bring joy and happiness to Ashe County children during the holidays.

Only referred children from families who are at of below the poverty level are eligible. Letters went out to all parents and the cut-off date for responses is Oct. 28. Sponsor cards with information about each child’s clothing sizes and gift preferences will be ready to go out to the public by Nov. 1. Cards may also be picked up at the Ashe Baptist Association office, 1646 Mt. Jefferson Road in West Jefferson, across from Walmart. Please consider sponsoring a child.

Another way you can help is by coming to Ashe Family Central between Dec. 1 and Dec. 7 to help wrap the gifts. Volunteers are always needed for wrapping. Gifts are turned in unwrapped so the project can check for quality assurance. Helping to wrap the gifts is fun and sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

A third thing you might like to do is donate a new book to the book drive. Every year the project seeks to give a book to each child. Many children who are eligible for this project do not have books in the home. You can remedy this situation by bringing one or more new children’s books to Ashe County Public Library, McDonald’s restaurant, Ashe Partnership for Children, or the Ashe Mountain Times. Many churches are also serving as drop-off sites to make bringing a book as convenient as attending church on Sunday.

The book drive will run Nov. 8 through Dec. 7. Children from age birth to 18 are served by this project and books are needed for all age groups. Donations may be made to Ashe Baptist Association, P.O. Box 850, Jefferson, NC 28640, designated to Ashe County Children’s Christmas Project. The project is a joint effort of county churches, schools, agencies and volunteers.

Help make Christmas a true celebration for all of Ashe County’s children by helping those in need. You’ll be glad you did!