We’re in the thick of the holiday rush, and Crosslines is moving at full speed—meeting needs, lifting spirits, and helping families find hope in a season that can feel heavy for so many.
“The holidays bring extra financial pressure for all of us,” said Wes Buchholz, Vice President of Programs for Crosslines. “But for families already stretched thin by the cost of groceries, gas, and rent, that pressure can become overwhelming.”
This Thanksgiving, 1,500 families turned to Crosslines for help with a holiday meal. We expect to serve at least that many again at Christmas—including more than 2,000 children who will choose gifts through the Crosslines Christmas Toy Store.
These families include neighbors like Wendy.
Wendy is a survivor of domestic abuse who found safety at the Safe to Sleep Women’s Shelter. While her children stayed temporarily in another shelter, Wendy moved quickly—finding a full-time job and securing an apartment so they could be reunited. Like many single parents trying to rebuild, she came to the Crosslines food pantry to help stretch her budget.
Then her car broke down. The repair bill wiped out the money she had set aside for rent. Without a working vehicle, she risked losing her job. Without rent, she risked losing her home.
Through the Crosslines food pantry, Wendy connected with a case manager who helped her navigate the crisis. She received two months of rental assistance—just enough breathing room to keep her family safely housed. Wendy was also enrolled in our holiday programs to ensure her children could experience joy and stability during Christmas. On December 20, she will have the opportunity to fill her children’s Christmas wish lists through the Crosslines’ annual toy store. Hundreds of volunteers will come together to do what they can to ensure that happy holiday memories are made, regardless of the challenges families are facing.
Stories like Wendy’s are not rare this year. They are the reality for many working families trying to stay afloat.
Helping Neighbors Start the New Year Strong
Crosslines is, at its heart, a community outreach—for the community, by the community, with community support. And the work only continues because neighbors continue to step in with their:
- Time & TalentVolunteers are the heartbeat of Crosslines. Whether serving weekly or joining during special events, every pair of hands makes a difference.TreasureBecause of bulk purchasing and wholesale partnerships, financial gifts stretch further at Crosslines than almost anywhere else.PrayersWe are grateful for every prayer spoken for our guests, volunteers, and staff—that we would have the resources and relationships needed to walk with people out of poverty.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Crosslines. Whether serving weekly or joining during special events, every pair of hands makes a difference.
If you’re looking for easy, tangible ways to help this season, consider donating:
- FoodHygiene and feminine hygiene productsDiapersNew, unwrapped toys for the Christmas Toy Store or Wish I May Birthday Support Program
Bringing Light to Kids in Foster Care
The holidays can be especially hard for children in foster care. That’s where Ambassadors for Children (AFC) shines.
This year, AFC will bring Christmas joy to more than 700 Greene County kids in foster care.
“There’s often an uptick in removals around the holidays. Foster families are already stretched thin,” said Amanda Ingle, AFC Program Coordinator. “It’s an honor to step in and help.”
AFC recently supported Jerry, a grandfather raising five grandchildren placed with him through foster care. The program provided beds, mattresses, bedding, coats, backpacks, and other essentials—ensuring the children had what they needed to feel safe and cared for.
“It’s not just about giving out items,” Ingle said. “It’s the heart behind it. It’s the dignity of letting a child choose their own things.”
Each child in foster care submits a Christmas wish list, and our generous donors make those wishes real – ensuring every child gets at least one Christmas wish granted each season.
How you can help AFC:
- Financial gifts to help ensure every child receives their top wishNew clothingFunding for special requests (beds, tutoring, therapies not covered by insurance, etc.)Everyday essentials like toothbrushes, deodorant, and hygiene kits
Names changed for privacy.
Standing Strong Together in 2026
Crosslines Community Outreach is uniquely positioned to meet the challenges ahead.
“We have programs that work—programs that meet immediate needs and walk with people who want a better future,” Buchholz said. “We’re ready for whoever comes through our doors. But we will only go as far as the community’s support takes us. We stretch every dollar, just like the widow with the jar of oil and a little flour.”
It truly takes a community to support a community—and your partnership makes all the difference.
For a list of community resources or ways to support our work, visit crosslines.org.