By Gina Malone
Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) proves the old adage that “many hands make light work.” Since 1969, the nonprofit coalition has grown to 279 congregations and more than 5,000 volunteers and has helped countless people in need.
Insurance Service of Asheville (ISA), Inc. is one of the hundreds of businesses that regularly support ABCCM’s mission. On Thursday, November 17, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., ISA will hold its 7th Annual “Toasty” Drive, a community-wide collection of new and gently used blankets and winter wearables. ISA and ABCCM staff members and 98.1FM The River will be in the parking lot at College and Charlotte streets collecting items while providing coffee, donuts and home-baked treats.
“There are many churches, businesses, schools and organizations that hold drives for us throughout the year, whether for canned food, blankets, fans, clothes, shoes, toiletries or other items,” says Jessica Whitehill, ABCCM director of marketing and communications. “‘Toasty’ is one of the largest and most well-known in the community, but all of the drives are crucial for what we do.”
Among the 50,000 people helped annually are veterans, families, inmates and the homeless. “ABCCM’s goal has always been to help serve those in need—whatever need they have,” says Mary Sczudlo, director of homeless services and strategic development officer. That might include housing, job training and placement, food, clothing or medical assistance.
Four ABCCM Crisis Ministries around the county provide emergency assistance. In addition, two residential facilities—Veterans Restoration Quarters and Steadfast House—serve male veterans and women and children, respectively. Medical Ministry is a partnership between ABCCM and Mission Hospital to care for the county’s uninsured.
Unfortunately, Sczudlo says, the need for help does not seem to be declining. “Right now we have more than 300 women and children on the waiting list for our Steadfast House, which houses about 48 women (including 10 female veterans) and children.”
ABCCM is raising funds for a new housing facility. “In phase one we will be able to house approximately 130 women and children,” she says, “and the final plan will have 300 beds that will also include housing intact families and single dads with their children. Transformation Village will have a big impact on the community when it’s built.”
With nearly 50 years’ experience, a vast volunteer force and programs in place, ABCCM can provide the smallest of basic needs up to necessities like a safe and warm place to live. “Every blanket drive means we can put our efforts into helping a family pay their utility bill,” Whitehill says. “Every shoe drive means we can help a veteran dress for a job interview. Every load of donated canned food means we can put healthy food on the table for a child.”
Elly Wells, ISA marketing advisor, says part of the fun of the “Toasty” drives is seeing the steady stream of cars arriving with donations. “We have had people who bring items tell us that they have received help from ABCCM and now they want to do their part for people in need.” ISA has given up trying to count the donated items, she says, but they always take in a truckload.
“The outpouring of love from the volunteers is an amazing thing to experience every day,” says Sczudlo, “and with all that they give to our men, women, children and veterans they tell us they receive so much more in return. There is great satisfaction in knowing that you’ve made a positive impact on another person’s life.”
For more information about ISA’s “Toasty Drive,” visit isa-avl.com. To learn about services provided by ABCCM or about volunteering, visit abccm.org.
