Equipping our Educators to Support and Empower Wilkes County Children
March 28th, 2024, Angel of Hope presented to all of our public schools a donation specified for each schools' Benevolence Fund as well as each High School's Senior Fee Fund. Funds were raised through the sale of "Angels of Hope" paintings and generous donations.
About Angel of Hope
Mission Statement
Angel of Hope is a Non-Profit Organization that is dedicated to providing the Wilkes County School System with resources to ensure that fundamental needs are met for all children in our community. It is our prayer that our actions serve as an example of Christ’s love for His children.
Our Story
With proceeds raised from the sale of "Angel of Hope Paintings", created by renowned artist, Christie Younger, along with generous donations from both our local community and beyond, we extend critical support to Wilkes County Schools to aid families in times of crisis, ensuring children are nourished, clothed, and cared for. Moreover, we extend financial assistance to graduating seniors, empowering them to pursue higher education and thus enrich their lives, both in the present and the future.
It all started from a prayer from a dear friend and local educator, Hannah Peacock…
“I am asking for some prayers. Prayers that all the needs of WCS children are met. My heart is breaking for the number of kids that don’t want Christmas break. That don’t want to forgo two warm meals and safe place to go daily. Pray for the educators scrambling to meet all these needs. Pray for the right words to offer encouragement. Pray for their little hearts to know Jesus and the reason for this season. The letters to Santa from some of our kids broke me. They asked for a warm house, a bed, money to help their parents with bills.”
We have since learned that this is just the tip of the iceberg and the need is staggering. Our hearts break for these children but we have been convicted to use our platform and gifts to help! After much prayer and inspiration from above, attorney and boutique owner, Beth Vannoy, and artist, Christie Younger, organized Angel of Hope.
How We've Helped So Far
Over the following year, our mission was to raise funds to directly help individuals as specific needs arise. Some examples of what we accomplished were keeping utilities on, keeping children clean, warm, fed, and healthy, providing funds for transportation, and housing. We have helped by providing propane and heating, and fixing plumbing. We have provided beds, mattresses, and bedding along with other furniture and household items. We have helped families during times of extreme hardship such as support when children are hospitalized.
Another way we have helped our community is by making sure our schools were stocked with hygiene products such as soaps, shampoos, deodorants, and feminine products; new clothing such as underwear and socks; new or gently used clothing such as pants, shirts, coats, shoes, gloves, and hats; blankets and bedding; healthcare products such as bandaids and antibiotic ointment; home goods such as disinfecting wipes, toilet paper, and paper towels; and non perishable food items and pantry staples.
Since then, we have evolved and have been able to provide each individual school with financial support to allow those that are on the front lines of identifying needs and caring for our children (our principals, guidance counselors, social workers, and school nurses) to act quickly when aid is needed. On March 28th, 2024, Angel of Hope was pleased to present our first checks to each school in the Wilkes County School System which totaled $11,575. Our hope is that this will equip our educators, who do much more that educate, provide dire assistance to families in extreme need. Thus funds were distributed to each school's Benevolence fund, which was already established for this purpose.
Additionally, we were made aware that a high number of our high school seniors were experiencing hardship and could not afford to pay their senior fees and/or debts. Students are not permitted to graduate or receive a diploma with outstanding debt. Senior fees can accrue over the life of a student's time in the Wilkes County School System. Such fees include overdue lunch accounts, library book fees, cap and gown fees, technology fees, and more.
Our Goals
Most importantly, we desire to help these children feel loved and cared for by those both near and far. We want them to know and feel God’s love; that their lives truly matter to Him; that He has a plan for their lives; that He wants to prosper them, not harm them, and give them a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Future plans for Angel of Hope include a mentorship program, scholarships, a shop for goods, and fun ways to fundraise such as a Gala and Laundry Drive.
How You Can Help
Currently, funds are raised from the sale of “Angel of Hope” paintings by acclaimed artist, Christie Younger, which have already touched all corners of the US inviting nationwide support of our small community. One angel can provide so much! Benevolent giving and local donations are also welcomed and can be made at Fruit of the Vine Boutique, located in North Wilkesboro, NC.
You can learn about Christie and her art here.
If you have questions or would like to receive more information please reach out to Beth Vannoy or Christie Younger by emailing AngelofHopeNC@gmail.com.
Click Here for a List of Suggested Donations
Click Here to Purchase an Angel of Hope
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