Morning Call Launches 26th Be an Angel Campaign to Aid Community

The Morning Call has officially launched its 26th annual Be an Angel campaign, aimed at addressing increasing community needs during the holiday season. As many individuals and families grapple with rising costs, the campaign seeks to provide crucial support to local nonprofit organizations that offer essential services, such as food, shelter, and healthcare.

The economic challenges faced this year have left numerous families struggling to meet basic needs. Local nonprofits are feeling this strain as well, with many reporting difficulties in providing services due to higher prices and cuts in government funding. Despite these challenges, the Be an Angel campaign invites residents to contribute in whatever way they can.

How to Contribute and Make a Difference

For those looking to assist their neighbors, the campaign has created a wish list available at mcall.com/beanangel. This list includes specific requests from various local organizations. Each wish reflects genuine needs and offers an opportunity for community members to make a meaningful impact.

In September, the campaign team gathered three wishes from area nonprofits. The response highlights the urgency of the situation: food pantries, for instance, are in dire need of basic supplies. The Northern Lehigh Food Pantry in Slatington is requesting laundry detergent, paper towels, and monetary donations to procure essential items. Meanwhile, the Parkland C.A.R.E.S Food Bank in Orefield is seeking gift cards to purchase food and personal care products for those they serve.

This year, donations are being accepted until January 1, 2026, providing ample time for community members to participate. Every contribution, no matter how small, plays a vital role in supporting those in need.

Community Impact through Generosity

The Be an Angel campaign has a rich history, having raised nearly $6.2 million in donations over the past 25 years. Last year alone, supporters contributed over $275,400 in tangible goods. These figures do not account for the invaluable contributions made by volunteers, who provide essential support across various initiatives.

Amarelis Rodriguez, from the Lehigh Conference of Churches in Allentown, emphasized, “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.” The organization is seeking items like thick blankets, sleeping bags, and winter gear.

Other nonprofits, such as New Bethany in Bethlehem, require winter camping supplies and toiletries. The Helping Hands Ministry in Emerald is looking for a pallet jack and a commercial food vacuum sealer, in addition to monetary donations for a refrigerator truck.

Additionally, some organizations welcome gently used items. For instance, Community Bikeworks in Allentown accepts bicycles in any condition for its Earn a Bike program, which empowers at-risk youth by teaching them to repair bikes. The Community Music School is also seeking instruments to help students who cannot afford their own.

With the growing demand for assistance, the Be an Angel campaign serves as a reminder of the power of community. Rodriguez noted, “It truly takes a community coming together to support those facing challenging times.”

Irene Kraft, a former editor at the Morning Call and the campaign’s founder, has seen the impact of community generosity firsthand. The campaign continues to thrive, fueled by the compassion and commitment of local residents.

As the holiday season approaches, the Be an Angel campaign stands as a beacon of hope, encouraging everyone to contribute in whatever way they can to support those around them. Together, the community can uplift one another during these challenging times.