CHARLESTON, W.Va. — One Charleston nonprofit who provides to those in need in Kanawha County is already gearing up for their biggest season of giving back.
Mountain Mission recently opened up its application window for their annual Christmas basket initiative.
Executive Director of Mountain Mission John Roberts said Christmas has always been a huge charitable time of year for them.
“This is an annual event, we feed people all year long, of course, but Christmas is a special time of year for us here at Mountain Mission,” said Roberts.
He said they will be taking applications for the Christmas baskets until November 27.
Roberts said the baskets supply families in need with essentially enough food to last them an entire week. He said they come with all of the traditional holiday staples, including potatoes and other vegetables, bread and butter, dessert, as well as a 14-pound turkey.
Roberts said so many people in the area are barely making ends meet and they are happy to help them be able to meet those needs.
He said they look at the baskets as well as the other resources they provide as not exactly a hand-out, but a temporarily hand-up giving people a boost to improve their lives.
“We want to see people trying to help themselves, we want to see people looking for jobs, looking to better their personal life, but you know, sometimes life happens by no choice of our own, and if Mountain Mission can, you know, there’s many ways we can share compassion,” he said.
Last year, Roberts said the organization fed over 1,200 area families. He said they anticipate on feeding at least 1,000 this year.
Roberts said each food basket is valued at a little over $100, which can quickly add up to $100,000 or more for every basket, and they always need all of the corporate and individual sponsors they can get.
He the baskets start to get packed up in early December. On Saturday, Dec. 14, those that have been pre-approved for a basket can come by to pick them up at their facility.
Roberts said their main focus is on sharing love and compassion during the holiday season.
“If we can share the love of Christ by sharing compassion with people when they’re struggling, that’s the way of sharing the love of Jesus and we try to do that all year long, but at Christmas time, it’s a really special time,” Roberts said.
He said people can visit their Facebook page at Mountain Mission Inc., or visit them on their website to find out more information.
For those needing to apply for a basket, Roberts said the easiest way is to come by their headquarters at 1620 7th Avenue in Charleston and fill out an application. You will need to bring a proof of income and a photo I.D.
He added that there may be a point in time between now and December when their need for more food arises. If anyone wants to help out and provide more food, Roberts said to follow them on Facebook to see what they may need.