about ashley's angels
Ashley’s Angels is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that provides food, clothing, blankets, and special gift requests for children in need each year. The organization has generated over $3,000,000 in donations and benefited more than 20,000 children in Mississippi, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania since 1997. The community patrons of Ashley’s Angels, including local businesses and volunteers, partner with area schools to provide necessities to children who need it most.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Ashley’s Angels Brighten Christmas for Local Children
Ashley’s Angels was established in 1997 by truck driver Larry Ferguson in Mississippi. Ferguson had heard about a girl named Ashley who was living in the backseat of a car with her family from his wife Cathie. All she wanted for Christmas was a Barbie Doll and a warm coat.
“I told my wife, you might not get anything for Christmas but that girl is, so I started asking the drivers for their pocket change and we raised $685.00. We bought gifts for the mom and 2 kids that year. We managed to get them an apartment and get their lights turned on and as far as I know now that little girl, young lady now, is doing wonderful” stated Ferguson. Seeing the impact that their efforts had made in this family’s life inspired them to form Ashley’s Angels.
“It’s an all-hands effort from every corner of the Ashley family,” according to Ashley Furniture Distribution Services driver Kenny Klopotek. “It makes a guy really feel good because the organization has such a great amount of support.”
“I told my wife, you might not get anything for Christmas but that girl is, so I started asking the drivers for their pocket change and we raised $685.00. We bought gifts for the mom and 2 kids that year. We managed to get them an apartment and get their lights turned on and as far as I know now that little girl, young lady now, is doing wonderful” stated Ferguson. Seeing the impact that their efforts had made in this family’s life inspired them to form Ashley’s Angels.
“It’s an all-hands effort from every corner of the Ashley family,” according to Ashley Furniture Distribution Services driver Kenny Klopotek. “It makes a guy really feel good because the organization has such a great amount of support.”
ashley's angels - how it all works
School guidance counselors and district nurses initiate the process by selecting children they feel could use a little financial help. If the family accepts, they are asked to fill out a family information form. This decision has the potential to have a positive effect on other members of the child’s family, as well. When one family member is selected, all other children in that family are also provided for. Each child receives several outfits of clothing, including socks, underwear, pants, shirts, shoes, a blanket and a coat, if requested. The child also receives a special gift, usually a toy, and each family receives a food basket.
Todd Wanek, Ashley Furniture’s President and CEO, stated,
"Our heart goes out to all children who are struggling this Christmas and we hope that our contributions help brighten their spirits and those of their families. I also want to thank all the volunteers of this wonderful organization for their selfless efforts in serving those who need it most.”
This year Ashley’s Angels will help 855 children and 302 families in the 3 states. Total funds raised this year across the country are $222,169. Ashley’s foundation and employee contributions account for $159,400 of this total.
Todd Wanek, Ashley Furniture’s President and CEO, stated,
"Our heart goes out to all children who are struggling this Christmas and we hope that our contributions help brighten their spirits and those of their families. I also want to thank all the volunteers of this wonderful organization for their selfless efforts in serving those who need it most.”
This year Ashley’s Angels will help 855 children and 302 families in the 3 states. Total funds raised this year across the country are $222,169. Ashley’s foundation and employee contributions account for $159,400 of this total.
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This year, the non-profit organization provided food, clothing and toys for underprivileged children enrolled in nearly 70 schools across the country.
Each year in December, volunteers are handed a shopping cart and a list to pick out clothes and toys based on the child’s needs and desires. “It’s an awesome sight,” said volunteer Betty Krause who is also an employee of Ashley Furniture, “it feels good partnering with local businesses and volunteers to assist so many children and families in need this holiday season”. The gifts were loaded on trucks and delivered to the 70 area schools for distribution to the identified families on this past week, ensuring that each child would have a gift to unwrap for Christmas. |
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“It’s almost Christmas time,” said Krause, “what better time to pay it forward.”
And for those of you who are interested, we encourage you to volunteer your time and/or donate
