Mercy Chefs and Students Spread Holiday Cheer to Black Mountain, NC

BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC — In a heartwarming display of compassion, youth who once relied on aid after Hurricane Michael paid it forward this holiday season, uniting to bring Christmas cheer to children in Black Mountain, NC, a community devastated by Hurricane Helene.

After learning about a toy drive organized by Reynolds Baptist Church in Asheville, Mercy Chefs offered to help make Christmas extra special for children navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The organization facilitated a connection between Reynolds Baptist Church and Florida-based Emerald Coast Fellowship, where youth who benefitted from the organization’s support following Hurricane Michael led the initiative.

Emerald Coast Fellowship packed more than 500 gift boxes for students at Black Mountain Primary and Elementary Schools, each accompanied by heartfelt cards of encouragement written by the youth.

“We were provided Christmas by another church after Hurricane Michael, where we were still chopping down trees and trying to get in our own homes,” shared Priscilla Chavez, a small women’s group leader from Emerald Coast Fellowship, in an interview with WMBB. “We lived the trials and tribulations, and we’ve survived, and we want to be able to pay that forward.”

Additionally, Reynolds Baptist Church shopped for toys based on students’ wish lists, ensuring every child received a special gift to open under their Christmas tree.

Mercy Chefs further supported the effort by preparing lunch for teachers and staff members and providing them with holiday gift cards. Many teachers expressed gratitude, sharing how they managed personal challenges while supporting their students through difficult times.

Mercy Chefs also distributed grocery boxes to help families in need within the community. Each box contained enough ingredients to prepare up to 50 meals.

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