Last Updated on November 10, 2024 2:26 pm
Boone, NC — As the holiday season approaches, W.A.M.Y. Community Action is thrilled to announce the transformation of its beloved ‘Santa for Seniors' gift drive. For five successful years, this initiative has brought joy to senior citizens in the High Country, delivering nearly 5,000 practical gifts in partnership with individuals and local businesses. However, 2024 marks a pivotal year as the program evolves to address the pressing needs of the community.
Considering the overwhelming supply of items collected during Hurricane Helene relief efforts, W.A.M.Y. is shifting its focus from gathering physical gifts to collecting monetary donations. These funds will be dedicated to rebuilding homes for low-income senior citizens, in Watauga, Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties, who have been impacted by the hurricane. This turn aims to extend the spirit of giving beyond the holiday season by restoring homes and, subsequently, lives.
“We remain committed to spreading holiday cheer to our senior neighbors, but this year, we have an opportunity to make a more profound impact,” said Allison Jennings, Director of Development at W.A.M.Y. Community Action. “By focusing on rebuilding, we aim to provide a lasting gift of security and comfort to those who need it most.”
Community members are encouraged to donate and designate their contributions to ‘Santa for Seniors' via W.A.M.Y.’s website or by mailing a check to:
W.A.M.Y. Community Action
225 Birch Street, Suite 2
Boone, NC 28607
For those still interested in contributing physical gifts to homebound seniors, we invite you to connect with Allison Jennings at allison@wamycommunityaction.org or call 828-264-2421 ext. 107. Allison will gladly assist you in finding alternate local organizations in need of gift donations.
Join us as we honor the tradition of giving by embracing this new initiative. Your support can help rebuild homes, restore hope, and continue the legacy of community spirit that ‘Santa for Seniors' has nurtured over the years.
Together, let's make a lasting difference. Visit W.A.M.Y.’s website today to learn more and contribute to this meaningful cause.
For more information about W.A.M.Y. Community Action and its programs, please visit our website or contact us at allison@wamycommunityaction.org.
About W.A.M.Y. Community Action
Established in 1964, W.A.M.Y. (Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, Yancey) is a Community Action Agency and was the first human-service non-profit to come to the High Country’s four-county area. WAMY’s mission is to partner with families and communities to provide the disadvantaged with the support they need to become self-sufficient. WAMY conducts a community needs assessment every three years and programs are designed according to the needs of the community. Currently, WAMY has four programs- Housing & Energy, Youth Development, Food & Nutrition, and Family Development. Even though WAMY Community Action receives federal and state funding, it still requires donations from individual private donors as these contributions offer greater flexibility to meet growing needs in our communities.
About Community Action Agencies
A Community Action Agency (CAA) is a local organization with the mission of reducing poverty through locally designed and delivered programs and services, targeted to the specific needs of the community. CAAs exist in virtually every county in the U.S., numbering more than 1,000 nationwide. Most are private nonprofits, but some are units of local government. They are state-designated but locally controlled, governed by a tripartite board that represents the low-income community, local elected officials, and private and public community stakeholders.
