SHELBY — Shelby Help Line Ministries is helping local families one box at a time.
The non-profit organization recently distributed food boxes to 264 local households, totaling 736 individuals, of which 321 children received toys.
Additionally, more than 150 new children’s coats were purchased. Shelby Help Line also received more than 60 bikes for children receiving gifts.
“You can’t imagine all the planning and the many hands needed to make this happen,” said Jolene Arms, executive director of the non-profit.
“Thank you to our staff, volunteers, our Salvation Army Unit, Shelby Foundation, our churches, local businesses and organizations, our schools and members of our community.”
At the beginning of October, Shelby Help Line distributed more than 700 applications for its Community Christmas Program — a partnership with The Salvation Army.
The program provides food boxes, a meat voucher and toys for children for those approved.
Food and toy collection began in November and boxes were distributed to families Dec. 13 and 14. They included canned, boxed and packaged goods, as well as personal hygiene items.
Volunteers of the non-profit made 114 deliveries to shut-ins or those without transportation.
Community support and contributions helped fuel the holiday program, including donations from Shelby’s local Save-a-Lot and Shelby City Schools.
Program is a true community effort
Arms took over as executive director in January 2024 following the retirement of Sheryl Cramer. She previously served at the Kroc Center in Ashland helping with a Salvation Army kids program.
This year marked Arms’ first time directing the Community Christmas Program as executive director.
“I’m always amazed by all the support we receive, because it’s definitely not something myself or even my staff could handle on our own,” she said. “It really does take everybody in the community to be able to do this.”
The program supplies families with several essentials, including food and personal hygiene items. But the addition of toys, like a new bicycle, provides an additional layer of comfort.
Arms said the toys are provided through a partnership with The Salvation Army.
“We really just want to give the gift of joy for the Christmas season and as always, share the Gospel with those families that we do meet with,” she said.
“It’s a delight to see how excited the parents are to receive those gifts for their children because things can be such an expense nowadays. To be able to help them lighten that burden during this season is just such a blessing to us.”
More resources and ministries
Shelby Help Line leads two additional seasonal ministries, including a school supply and clothing distribution, as well as free summer lunches for children ages 18 and under.
Ministries offered year-round include financial aid for utilities, budgeting classes, medical equipment and clothing. The non-profit also links individuals and families with services to meet their needs.
Shelby Help Line’s Here to Help ministry responds to those who find themselves in difficult situations — whether financial or otherwise.
Its lobby also functions as a warming and cooling center during regular business hours.
Furthermore, the Shelby Salvation Army Service Unit and FISH Food Pantry share space at the Walnut Street facility.
Arms previously said the biggest thing Shelby Help Line offers is an opportunity to minister to community members dealing with difficult situations.
“Whatever may arise in their life, then we’re here to direct them as best as we can and also speak with them and help them walk through the process,” she said in June.
Shelby Help Line is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The facility closes for an hour on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. for prayer.
The non-profit is currently closed through Jan. 1 for Christmas and New Years and will resume normal business hours Jan. 2.