The Morning Call has officially launched its 26th annual Be an Angel campaign, responding to the increasing needs within the Lehigh Valley community. This initiative, which began in 1999, aims to support local nonprofit organizations that are struggling to provide essential services amid rising costs and reduced government funding.
During this holiday season, many individuals are finding it challenging to meet basic needs for themselves and their families. Nonprofits in the area, which typically offer food, shelter, and healthcare, are facing heightened difficulties as demand surges. According to Amarelis Rodriguez from the Lehigh Conference of Churches, “So many families and individuals are feeling the impact of rising costs and limited resources. Donations give us the opportunity to meet people where they are, offering hope, help, and a reminder that they’re not alone.”
The Be an Angel campaign invites residents to fulfill wishes submitted by local nonprofits. This year’s wish list, available at mcall.com/beanangel, includes essential items like laundry detergent, personal care products, and food gift cards. Organizations such as the Northern Lehigh Food Pantry and the Parkland C.A.R.E.S Food Bank are among those seeking community support.
How to Contribute and Make a Difference
The campaign encourages donations until January 1, 2026, recognizing that the holiday season can be demanding. Each contribution, no matter how small, plays a significant role in helping those in need. In the previous 25 years, the Be an Angel campaign has raised nearly $6.2 million in donations, with over $275,400 in tangible goods contributed last year alone.
The wishes collected this year reflect significant needs within the community. For instance, the Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank is asking for increased volunteer support and food drives to aid families facing food insecurity. Similarly, New Bethany in Bethlehem is seeking winter camping supplies, demonstrating the urgent need for basic necessities among the homeless population.
Other organizations are looking for specific items and services. Helping Hands Ministry in Emerald requires a pallet jack and a commercial food vacuum sealer, along with monetary donations for a refrigerator truck. Community Bikeworks is accepting bicycles in any condition for its Earn a Bike program, while the Community Music School seeks instruments for students who cannot afford them.
The Impact of Generosity
The Be an Angel campaign not only facilitates donations but also fosters a sense of community among residents. Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of collective effort, stating, “It truly takes a community coming together to support those facing challenging times.”
The value of volunteers is immeasurable, as many organizations rely heavily on community members to assist with their operations. The campaign highlights that volunteer time often surpasses the monetary value of donations, making it a crucial element in supporting local initiatives.
As the community rallies behind this year’s campaign, it is clear that the spirit of giving is alive and well in the Lehigh Valley. The Morning Call’s Be an Angel campaign serves as a reminder that even during challenging times, residents have the power to uplift their neighbors and contribute positively to their community.
