This year’s Holiday Challenge to readers of The Mountaineer is a clear indication of pure goodness and generosity of people who live in Haywood County.

Each year, we select a nonprofit organization to assist during the holiday season and invite our readers to learn more about the organization and its efforts. If they are moved by what we read, we invite them to help support the effort financially.

This year, readers contributed $43,708, an amount that is downright impressive any way you look at it, but especially generous during the days of COVID-19 when people are facing multiple challenges.

Whether you contributed financially, gave of your time or provided moral support and a kind, listening ear, you have made a difference.

Many local mothers and their children have to deal with unimaginable circumstances and these are the individuals the EACH Initiative strives to help.

One family became homeless when a spouse went to prison; another had to leave her home and job out of fear for her life; yet another had battled addiction and is now on the road of recovery.

Transitional housing is needed once these women get out of crisis, and that’s why the EACH Initiative was chosen as this year’s Holiday Challenge.

Its mission of Ending Area Childhood Homelessness is accomplished by providing a free transitional home for a family to live in, up to two years, while a team of mentors helps the parent establish a plan for family self-sufficiency, including getting a better job, improving their education and lessons in financial management.

Thanks to your help, this relatively young organization has another year to continue growing its ministry.

There are still ways to help. Churches, civic groups or even businesses that can provide a house and pledge $15,000 annually for two years to provide supplemental family support can help a family move permanently out of poverty.

Volunteers are always welcomed and will be needed as the program grows. We know your hearts, Haywood, and they are ones of compassion and generosity. We are proud to serve you.

For more information about the EACH Initiative, contact Paul Butler at (828) 246-8881 or email him at paul@eachinitiative.org.