Children First of Buncombe County

eNewsletter

Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County

eNewsletter November 2008

Dear Friend,

During this time of thanksgiving, we are being bombarded with dismal headlines and reports of increased food, electricity and fuel costs. It can make us wonder what we have to be thankful for. I, for one, am thankful for many things but especially having reliable transportation, food in the pantry and a roof over my head. Unfortunately, many in our community lack these basic needs and are being hit harder by these stressful economic times. Please stretch a little and help these children and families by adopting a child for the holidays or donating food. Your help will make a difference.

Jennifer Hampton
Director of Development and Marketing

In This Issue

Congratulations Jennie Eblen

Help A Child Have A Happy Holiday

Holiday Shopping Supports Children First/CIS

Food Donations Needed

Congratulations Jennie Eblen

2008 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser

Pictured is Julie Damore, Shanon Fagan, Jennie Eblen, Allison Jordan, and Sharon Steele

Board President Jennie Eblen was honored as the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser at the 18th Annual WNC National Philanthropist Day Celebration on November 18th at the Renaissance Hotel. Jennie was nominated by the YWCA of Asheville, Children First/CIS and Mountain Area Child and Family Center.

Help A Child Have A Happy Holiday

Children First/CIS Family Resource Center at Emma works year round to meet the Emma community's needs by providing a food pantry, clothing closet and financial emergency assistance programs. This year we have seen a steady growth in families needing assistance and, given the current economic climate in our country, we anticipate that families' needs will be even greater during winter months. In an effort to make our Holiday Giving Program another way to meet families' needs, this year we are requesting that donor give basic items for the holidays: underwear, outerwear, clothing, shoes, hats, scarves, grocery gift cards or gas cards, and books.

If anyone is interested in donating items or adopting a child or family, please contact the Family Resource Center at Emma at 828-252-4810. Thank you for your support during the Holiday Season.

Your Holiday Shopping Can Support Children First/CIS

December 4th, Ten Thousand Villages Shopping Night. 5:00-8 p.m., 10 College Street, (near Pritchard Park) www.villagesasheville.com. A great selection of fair trade, handmade products from around the globe make great holiday gifts and 15% of sales will be donated to Children First/CIS.

December 5th, Elementality Shopping Night, 5-8 p.m., Asheville Mall. Elementality is a specialty retail boutique located at the Asheville Mall, where not just the merchandise is fresh, unique, and interesting, but the overall store aesthetic and layout creates a completely original shopping experience. 10% of the sales will be donated to Children First/CIS.

December 7th, Loaves and Fishes Alternative Gifts Market, First Presbyterian Church, Gardner Fellowship Hall, 40 Church Street, from 12:15-2 p.m. The market is an opportunity to purchase gift cards that help make a difference in the community. For example, $5 can provide twenty pounds of food for a needy family; $10 can provide one week of homework assistance for an at-risk youth; $50 can provide emergency utility/rent assistance for a family in crisis; or $75 can support advocacy efforts for affordable quality childcare.

Food Donations Needed

The Family Resource Center at Emma provided over 1,100 food boxes last year. As families are in greater need for food this year, the Food Pantry is in dire need of items to help these families. Consider picking up a few extra items at the store or holding a food drive at work, church or book clubs and help feed a hungry family. Items needed include:

canned vegetables

pasta, rice

dried and canned beans

boxed macaroni and cheese

peanut butter and jelly

canned soups and stews

evaporated and powdered milk

non-perishable food items

For more information please contact the Family Resource Center at Emma at 828-252-4810.

The mission of Children First/CIS is to improve the lives of children, youth and their families through community collaborations, advocacy and programs.

As a not-for-profit organization,

Children First/CIS advocates for

Buncombe County's children while providing innovative programs for vulnerable children, and engaging the community in creating a better future for all children.