The Morning Call has officially launched its 26th annual Be an Angel campaign, a vital initiative aimed at assisting those in need within the Lehigh Valley community. As the holiday season approaches, many families are grappling with rising costs and limited resources, making this year’s campaign especially critical.
The ongoing economic challenges have intensified the demand for support from local nonprofit organizations, which provide essential services such as food, shelter, and healthcare. High prices and reductions in government funding have made it increasingly difficult for these agencies to meet the needs of those they serve.
Amarelis Rodriguez, representing the Lehigh Conference of Churches in Allentown, highlighted the pressing situation: “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.”
As part of this year’s campaign, the public is encouraged to contribute by fulfilling specific wishes outlined by local nonprofits. The annual wish list, available at mcall.com/beanangel, features requests that reflect immediate needs for various organizations, including food pantries, shelters, and educational programs.
Ways to Contribute to the Cause
The Be an Angel campaign invites community members to consider how they can make a difference. While the holiday season can be financially demanding, the campaign has extended the donation deadline to January 1, 2026, allowing individuals more time to participate. Every contribution, no matter how small, plays a significant role in helping those in need.
In the past 25 years, the Be an Angel campaign has generated nearly $6.2 million in donations, with last year alone seeing over $275,400 in tangible goods contributed by community members. These figures do not account for the invaluable volunteer hours dedicated by individuals who support various causes throughout the region.
Among the organizations seeking assistance this year is the Northern Lehigh Food Pantry, which has expressed a need for laundry detergent, personal care items, and financial donations to procure essential supplies. The Parkland C.A.R.E.S Food Bank is requesting gift cards to purchase food and hygiene products for those it serves, while the Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank is looking for volunteers and donations to help stock its shelves.
Impacting Lives Through Generosity
The stories behind the wishes speak to the urgent needs within the community. For example, New Bethany in Bethlehem is seeking winter camping supplies and heavy blankets for the homeless population it supports. Similarly, Helping Hands Ministry in Emerald requires a commercial food vacuum sealer, as well as monetary donations for a refrigerator truck to better serve its clients.
Additionally, some organizations are open to receiving gently used items. Community Bikeworks, located in Allentown, will accept bicycles in any condition to support their Earn a Bike program, which empowers at-risk youth through bike repair education. Meanwhile, the Community Music School is in need of instruments, particularly violins, to provide students with opportunities they might not otherwise afford.
Rodriguez emphasized the importance of community support, stating, “It truly takes a community coming together to support those facing challenging times.”
As the Be an Angel campaign unfolds, individuals and organizations across the Lehigh Valley are encouraged to reflect on how they can contribute to alleviating the struggles faced by many during this challenging season. The initiative not only aims to address immediate needs but also fosters a spirit of giving and compassion within the community.
