The Morning Call has commenced its 26th annual Be an Angel campaign, aiming to provide essential support to those in need within the Lehigh Valley. With rising costs making it increasingly difficult for many families to meet basic needs, the campaign seeks to harness community generosity to help local nonprofit organizations that are also facing challenges in their operations.
As inflation affects the cost of living, nonprofit organizations in the area report heightened demand for their services. Basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare are becoming harder to secure for many individuals and families. The Be an Angel campaign, launched by the Morning Call, invites community members to contribute to a range of area nonprofits that support those struggling the most.
This year, the campaign has compiled a wish list from local organizations detailing their most pressing needs. Individuals can take action by fulfilling these wishes, which range from monetary donations to specific items. The wish list is available at mcall.com/beanangel, where prospective donors can choose how they would like to assist.
January 1, 2026 has been set as the deadline for contributions, allowing ample time for community members to participate during the busy holiday season. Even small donations can have a significant impact, making it essential for individuals to consider how they might help.
The Be an Angel campaign has a strong history of community support, having raised nearly $6.2 million over the past 25 years. Last year alone, contributions exceeded $275,400 in tangible goods. Volunteering has also been a crucial aspect of the campaign, with many organizations emphasizing that the time and skills offered by volunteers are invaluable.
Among the organizations seeking assistance this year is the Northern Lehigh Food Pantry, which has reported an urgent need for laundry detergent, paper towels, and personal care items, as well as monetary donations to purchase additional supplies. Similarly, the Parkland C.A.R.E.S Food Bank is requesting gift cards to help meet the needs of its clients for food and hygiene products.
Amarelis Rodriguez, a representative from the Lehigh Conference of Churches in Allentown, emphasized the importance of community support in challenging times. “So many families and individuals are feeling the impact of rising costs and limited resources,” she stated. “Donations give us the opportunity to meet people where they are, offering hope and help.”
New Bethany in Bethlehem, which aids the homeless population, is seeking winter camping supplies, including sleeping bags rated for extreme temperatures and heavy blankets. Helping Hands Ministry in Emerald has outlined specific equipment needs, such as a pallet jack and a commercial food vacuum sealer, alongside monetary donations for a new refrigerator truck.
In addition to financial contributions, the campaign encourages donations of gently used items. Community Bikeworks in Allentown will accept bicycles of any condition for its program that teaches at-risk children how to rebuild and repair them. The Community Music School is looking for new or gently used instruments, particularly violins, to provide to students who cannot afford their own.
The Be an Angel campaign also highlights the need for volunteer assistance. The Northampton County 4-H Center is currently searching for individuals to provide carpentry and painting services to support its initiatives.
Irene Kraft, a former editor of the Morning Call who founded the Be an Angel campaign in 1999, expressed hope that the community will rally together once again. “It truly takes a community coming together to support those facing challenging times,” she said.
As the holiday season approaches, the Morning Call encourages everyone in the Lehigh Valley to consider how they can make a difference. Through small acts of generosity, community members can help ensure that those in need feel supported and valued during this critical time.
