LINCOLNTON––Crunch time is approaching, and Christian Ministry is desperately in need of help.

That’s the word this week from executive director Mitzi Williams. With Christmas fast approaching, the organization is in keen need of donations now, as Williams pointed out.

“We are more than halfway through our Christmas fundraiser,” she said, “and this year (at more than $53,000 at present), we are $40,000 short of where we were at this same time last year. The funds we receive for Christmas account for one fourth of our entire yearly budget. We need $91,000 to meet last year’s total. To help meet the budget, our goal is $100,000. We have been able to do this for the last 10 years, and I pray we can do it again.”

Williams reminded potential donors that they may always contribute through the Website at www.christianministryoflincolncounty.org.

“Can’t think of what to buy for that one family member?” she rhetorically asked. “Think about giving a monetary gift in honor of or in memory of a loved one. We will send a card to the individual or family in your name.

“People are signing up every day!” she added of the ministry’s Christmas efforts. “We will be signing people up through Dec. 22. We will still be taking donations of food and toys, this week and the next.”

Williams continued that the annual Christmas give-out of food and toys is Dec. 23, starting at 8 a.m., at the ministry’s downtown Lincolnton offices. Individual clients will have their own assigned times.

And re those donations, send your e-mails to [email protected] if your donation is in honor or memory of someone, along with the name/address of whom to notify.

You may also mail your donations to:

Christian Ministry of Lincoln County
P.O. Box 423
Lincolnton, N.C. 28093.

Williams also provided the latest list of donors to the Christmas campaign, including a balance forward of $39,863.22:

David and Shirley Setzer $25.00
Victory Grove Baptist $125.00
Mountain View Baptist $298.00
Susan Thomas $1,000.00
Clifford Stroupe $40.00
William and Janice Payseur $100.00
Holy Cross Lutheran $200.00
Lincoln Avenue Baptist $95.00
Leona Dellinger $50.00
David and Marie Dellinger $100.00
Leonard’s Fork Baptist $209.00
First Baptist Church $1,275.00
Emmanuel Lutheran $250.00
Redeemed Baptist $425.00
First Methodist of Lincolnton Methodist Men $100.00
Lincolnton Lions Club $500.00
And anonymous $9,013.28
Total: $53,668.50

Located at 207 S. Poplar St. in Lincolnton, Christian Ministry of Lincoln County is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Call (704) 732-0383 to learn more.