by ARCADIA, Wis. – Ashley’s Angels, a non-profit organization started by employees of Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC (Ashley), continued their annual tradition of bringing joy to children in need over the holiday season. Ashley’s Angels was able to make a significant impact in the communities surrounding Ashley facilities in five states including: Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Wisconsin; raising over $262,000 to support 1,029 children.
One hundred percent of the funds raised through the organization provides food, clothing, and special gift requests for children in need during the holiday season. This year’s fundraising efforts included a golf tournament, bass fishing tournament, car show, build-your-own-flower-bouquet, t-shirt sales, and employee contributions made through Ashley’s Dollar a Week program.
“Ashley’s Angels is excited to be able to help & assist over 1,020 children and their families this holiday season. We know times are extremely tough with the economy and people losing their jobs, homes, etc.,” said Kristy Jabier, board member, Ashley’s Angels of Pennsylvania. “We have been working hard to do the best we can to raise as much money this year to help them. We want to see the children and their families have a memorable Christmas, and we feel it can start with us. We are hoping that each year we can continue to put smiles on all their faces!”
Every year, Ashley’s Angels holds shopping days in late November/early December, where volunteers come to shop for the selected children. They pick out winter gear, apparel, toys and more to fill a giant gift bag that is then loaded onto an Ashley semi. Once shopping is complete, the organization, along with special guest, Santa, take the loaded semis to each of the participating schools, delivering the gifts to children and their families.
Ashley’s Angels partners with local schools and churches to identify local families in need of extra assistance. Every child in the program, along with their sibling(s), receives winter apparel and shoes (as needed), clothes, and at least one special Christmas present. Additionally, each family will receive a basket of food.
Ashley’s Angels was established by an Ashley truck driver from Mississippi in 1997 after he heard about a girl who was living in a car with her mother. The Ashley driver recruited help from fellow drivers to provide food, clothing, and additional assistance by helping the family find proper housing before Christmas. Seeing the impact their efforts had made on this family’s life encouraged those involved to form Ashley’s Angels.
To view a video of the Ashley’s Angels effort, click here.
