Dear Neighbor,

The 4th annual Angel Giving Tree project was a heartwarming success. Now an annual tradition, Lake Toxaway Charities and The Greystone Inn joined with a local food bank and the four Rosman schools to provide gifts and food for over 150 pre-qualified school children, their families and 30 selected area seniors. This year has continued to be a difficult time for our vulnerable neighbors struggling to provide basic necessities for their families, but our community responded generously. Each child, family, and senior “angel” on the Angel Tree had a brighter Christmas, thanks to you.

Making our hearts glow, over 100 donors contributed $53,200 to the Angel Tree Program this year. These donations provided gifts for all of our “angels”. Each child received a Christmas stocking, new school clothes and a wrapped gift from Santa. All members of that student’s family received gifts and also a large food box. School teachers, guidance counselors and principals shopped, wrapped, and delivered the gifts. The schools worked diligently to ensure there were no duplications.

Seniors received a large food box containing a Christmas ham and gifts suited to their needs, such as gift cards, blankets, firewood or gas cards to get to medical appointments. Gods Way Food Pantry in Balsam Grove was also able to purchase extra provisions for the area’s needy.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to the entire Angel Tree Program volunteer team, led by Sherry Minnich. Their tireless efforts and dedication ensured the program’s success. This was a true community collaboration involving a partnership with The Greystone Inn, Rosman area schools, and Gods Way Food Pantry. We are grateful to all who volunteered their time to brighten the holidays for our neighbors.

I was brought to tears this morning when I opened the card you left. I’ve been stressed out because I’ve been very short on money this month. I’ve only bought one present for my daughter and nothing for my son yet. I haven’t got to work much this month because of the time of year it is. I can’t thank you and the other angels enough. I can go buy my kids some presents now! I just wanted to let you know how thankful I am.
– Angel Tree Recipient