Ashley’s Angels Helps 1,356 Needy Children in 4 States

January 4, 2018  by Larry Thomas in Community / Charitable Support, Industry   

This year, the non-profit organization along with Ashley employees raised $262,081 in support of the program.

The all-volunteer group worked with local schools - primarily school guidance counselors and nurses - to identify children in need of extra assistance. Every child in the program, along with his or her siblings, received winter apparel, shoes (as needed), clothes, a blanket, and a special Christmas present. Each child’s family also received a Christmas dinner.

“Ashley’s Angels originated from the passion of one employee wanting to help others in need. That passion has carried on for 20 years, inspiring others throughout our company and our surrounding communities to also participate,” said Todd Wanek, president and CEO of Ashley Furniture. “I am so proud of the efforts these volunteers put forth, year-round, and for inspiring others to help spread holiday cheer to those who need it most.”

The Ashley’s Angels program was established by an Ashley Furniture truck driver from Mississippi in 1997 after he heard about a girl who was living in a car with her mother. The 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 in this family’s life encouraged those involved to form Ashley’s Angels.

Each year in December, volunteers line up to shop for the selected recipients. Shoppers are provided a Christmas list with each child’s age, gender, clothing sizes and special interests. The gifts are then wrapped and loaded onto Ashley trucks and delivered to participating schools for distribution to the families the week before Christmas.

This year was the first-year Ashley’s Angels had a presence in North Carolina. The organization’s fundraising efforts raised $40,000 to support 128 children from 50 families.

“In just our first year, we were able to raise $40,000, allowing us to support all six of our local Elementary schools,” said Jessica Tilley, a spokeswoman for Ashley’s Angels North Carolina. “Our volunteers had the humbling experience to make home deliveries to families in our community. I am so grateful for everyone’s support in bringing this program to our area, I look forward to continuing this program for years to come.”