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

The Morning Call has officially launched its 26th annual Be an Angel campaign, aiming to support local nonprofit organizations amid increasing community needs. This year, the campaign arrives at a time when many families in the Lehigh Valley are facing financial difficulties due to rising prices and reduced government funding for essential services.

As the holiday season approaches, the campaign encourages individuals to contribute to a variety of local nonprofits that provide crucial services such as food, shelter, and healthcare. The call for donations comes with an understanding that many community members may also be struggling to meet their own basic needs.

To facilitate giving, a wish list has been compiled from local organizations detailing their most pressing needs. The list, available at mcall.com/beanangel, includes requests for items that range from basic necessities to specific supplies that help agencies serve their clients more effectively.

The campaign organizers have extended the donation deadline to January 1, 2026, recognizing that busy schedules during the holidays may hinder timely contributions. Each donation, no matter how small, holds meaningful significance for those in need.

Community Impact and Previous Successes

Over the past 25 years, the Be an Angel campaign has generated nearly $6.2 million in donations, with last year’s contributions totaling more than $275,400 in tangible goods alone. These contributions have made a significant impact on the community, providing food, clothing, and shelter to vulnerable populations, including the homeless and low-income families.

Organizations such as the Parkland C.A.R.E.S Food Pantry and the Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank are among those seeking support this year. They are particularly in need of volunteers and food donations to help meet the demands of families struggling to put meals on the table.

Amarelis Rodriguez, a representative from the Lehigh Conference of Churches, emphasized the importance of community support in these challenging times. “Donations give us the opportunity to meet people where they are, offering hope, help, and a reminder that they’re not alone,” she stated.

How to Contribute

The Be an Angel campaign’s wish list reflects the diverse needs of local nonprofits. For instance, the Northern Lehigh Food Pantry is asking for laundry detergent and personal care items, while New Bethany in Bethlehem seeks winter camping supplies and toiletries for the homeless community.

Other organizations, like Community Music School and Cops ‘n’ Kids Children’s Literacy Program, are appealing for musical instruments and books to support children’s education and literacy. Additionally, Helping Hands Ministry in Emerald requires a commercial food vacuum sealer and monetary donations for purchasing a refrigerator truck.

Some nonprofits are open to receiving gently used items. Community Bikeworks, for example, encourages donations of bicycles to aid at-risk children in learning valuable skills through their Earn a Bike program.

Rodriguez highlighted the collective effort required to make a difference: “It truly takes a community coming together to support those facing challenging times.”

The Be an Angel campaign has a long-standing tradition of connecting those in need with those willing to help. As the community rallies together this holiday season, each contribution, no matter the size, serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to uplift one another.

For more information, including the complete wish list, visit mcall.com/beanangel. Together, the community can continue to create meaningful change for those who need it most.