A Community Full of Holiday Heroes
These are just a few of our incredible donors—there are simply too many to name! Each one has a unique and inspiring story of generosity, and we are deeply grateful for every contribution, big and small. Together, you help make the season brighter for children and families throughout the Valley. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary community of giving!
Joy
At Angels and Elves, we’ve all heard about Joy—the incredible woman who started this program in 1991. While Kiwanis has been running it since 2003, Joy was the heart behind its creation, leading it for five years before moving out of state.
In a twist of fate, Joy returned to North Conway over Thanksgiving weekend in 2016. While stopping for lunch at Black Cap, she noticed the Angels and Elves sign outside and decided to step inside.
As she entered, we greeted her and asked if she needed assistance. Spotting the original logo she had designed, she was visibly moved and said, “I started this program.” Our Head Elf, just as surprised, asked, “Is your name Joy?” What followed was a heartfelt reunion filled with hugs and tears.
Joy was amazed to see how the program had flourished since her time here, growing to serve 450-600 children each year. She had no idea it had continued after she left the Valley. We’re so grateful we got to meet you, Joy!
Paradise Machine Company in Fryeburg
Anthony recently shared that when he was a child, his parents needed our help providing Christmas gifts—and he’s never forgotten. Now, he’s committed to paying it forward in the most heartwarming way.
Paradise Machine, one of the last remaining independently owned precision machine shops in the area, continues to show outstanding community spirit. We’re so grateful for their generosity and holiday cheer!
Meet Mary Ann Lucas from North Conway!
The Material Girls
For MANY years, the incredible women from the Material Girls of North Conway have arrived at Elf Headquarters with armfuls of beautiful quilts, donating dozens to bring warmth and comfort to children in need during the holidays. This dedicated group of 25-30 women meets twice a month—once to quilt and once to catch up with each other. Every quilt they create is donated to nonprofits, including Starting Point: Services for Victims of Domestic & Sexual Violence, Camp Sunshine, and Wounded Warriors Family Support. How amazing is that?!
Sam Thompson
In 2021, Sam Thompson was called to the Torah for his Zoom Bar Mitzvah in Marco Island, Florida. To celebrate his accomplishment, Sam chose a mitzvah project close to his heart—donating gifts to the Kiwanis Club of North Conway.
In February 2021, when Sam’s brother Noah broke his leg and was hospitalized, the Kiwanis Club provided him with a bear for comfort. Sam had a similar experience, receiving a handmade blanket during his own hospital stay, showing how small acts of kindness can make a big difference for children in need.
For his mitzvah project, Sam asked guests to bring gifts for children aged 13 and up to be distributed during the holiday season through the Kiwanis Club. Sam and his dad delivered the toys to A&E Headquarters, where Sam spent time with the elves, asking thoughtful questions about the behind-the-scenes magic.
Ted Philips, a man of action
The Red Fox Bar & Grille
The Red Fox Bar & Grille has been a loyal supporter of our Angels and Elves program generously contributing to help make the season brighter for local children in need. Each year, their amazing team creates fun raffle baskets to support our mission which results in enough funds to sponsor 10-15 children.
Thanks to their kindness—and the generosity of our incredible community—we’re able to provide gifts for children who might otherwise go without. It costs approximately $250 to sponsor one child, and with the continued support of donors like Red Fox, we’ve been able to bring holiday magic to countless families!
Conway Middle School Builders Club
The Builders Club is the largest service organization for middle school and junior high students, with more than 23,000 members worldwide. Members learn to work together and develop servant-leaders skills as they serve their school and community. In partnership with UNICEF and March of Dimes, the clubs are able to expand their outreach to babies and children of the world.
Kennett High School Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA)
Kennett High School Basketball Teams
Kennett High School Key Club
Another testament to the outstanding young leaders within this community. Pictured are Key Club members returning to Elf Headquarters with items purchased using the more than $2000 they raised through civic and leadership initiatives. They shopped for much needed teen relevant items so the older kids in the A&E program are taken care of too!
Ashlyn Maryanna Kimball
Ashlyn Maryanna Kimball (a former Angels and Elves recipient when she was an infant) shops sales and clearance racks throughout the year to collect toys to donate to A&E for underserved children in the Valley. She delivered TWO carloads! Simply amazing! Our community is the BEST!
White Mountain Oil and Propane
Employees in 2024 collected money and were matched by the company, for a total donation of $1,650 for Angels & Elves! A wonderful way to help our community. Pictured with our own elves Marie Lee & Linda King.
HEB Engineering
An Anonymous Recipient (taken from Facebook)
I can’t begin to express my gratitude for this organization for making my son’s Christmas! Thank you from the absolute bottom of my heart. I can’t begin to put into words the absolute joy I am feeling that they were able to help me out this holiday season! Such an amazing program. 
