Welcome 2018! Thank You, Eblen Charities

Dec 15, 2017

For many, the holiday season is a time for joy and gatherings with family and friends. For others, however, it can be a difficult season of financial hardships, grief, or health concerns. We feel so fortunate to be part of the communities of Western North Carolina, where dozens of nonprofit organizations are dedicated to helping those in need.

 

As we welcome in the new year, we want to take a moment and recognize our special partnership with Eblen Charities in their year-round outreach in Western North Carolina. Their numerous programs have helped thousands upon thousands of families each year with medical and emergency assistance. Founded in 1991, Eblen Charities is one of North Carolina’s most innovative and effective social enterprises.

 

Friday Services feels honored to be able to assist in Eblen’s life-changing work, supporting programs such as Headlock on Hunger, Brad Johnson Celebrity Golf Classic, Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving, and Saint Nicholas Project. There is so much value in working together to make a difference.

 

Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving

This past year, Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving was in its 12th year of supplying meals for families that Eblen Charities serves. On Wednesday, November 22, meals were distributed to the clients of Eblen Charities at the Westgate Regional Shopping Center where the Eblen office is located.

 

Volunteers, board members, and staff provided what would be the equivalent of 13,000 meals, including the turkey and all the fixins’ for people to take with them for the holiday. “This way, they can take the dinner home,” says Bill Murdock, executive director of Eblen Charities. “Each one feeds 10-14 people, so they can share with their family and friends and have leftovers—all the great things that come with Thanksgiving!”

 

Drop-offs at the Toy Drive

In 2016, the Saint Nicholas Project ensured that 4,500 children (from birth to age 18) received toys on Christmas morning. In 2017, the demand was even greater. Bill and his team collected toys for three days at Ingles on Tunnel Road. It takes about 25,000 toys to be able to do this every year.

 

The Saint Nicholas Project also provides clothes, food, and other items to children and families in our community to help make their holidays a bit brighter. Click to read more information about the Saint Nicholas Project.

 

Changing Lives Together

Friday Services is also excited to support Eblen Charities’ Headlock on Hunger, a year-round program to fight hunger. This initiative includes snack programs in schools and the allocation of food for families to have while children are out of school for summer or a holiday. “Friday’s has been a big part of that… We want to make sure that everyone has enough food because, as we say, when you’re hungry, nothing else matters,” says Bill.

 

Bill says that Eblen seeks partnerships with area businesses. “We want to be as much part of the outreach of the company, as they are of ours. It goes beyond just the monetary donation. It shows the heart and commitment that Friday’s has in the community—how many people and families we are able to reach out and touch. We are very fortunate to have them here and for us to be a part of their outreach, and for them to be such a big part of what Eblen does in the community.”

 

Donations for Eblen Charities are always welcome. Please contact them if you know someone in need or would like to get involved.

 

Bill adds, “We will have more and more volunteer opportunities. If anyone has any questions or wants to reach out, please call me personally at 828.242.2848.”

 

Ringing in the New Year!

We wish all of our employees, clients, friends, and partners a happy and healthy 2018. Our core mission is to serve people in our community by helping them find the right jobs to achieve a better way of life for themselves and their families. Check out our open jobs and apply today.

Employees

If you see a lot of potential in yourself – so do we! Start your job search and learn about the opportunities and benefits offered.

Employers

Friday Services is independent and locally owned. We offer Western North Carolina employers strategic flexibility with greater attention to detail.