Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to receive Christmas assistance?

This program is for Swannanoa Valley neighbors with children who request assistance from SVCM.  The children must be 18 years or younger and living in the household.  School-age children must be attending school (K-12). Neighbors who are seeking Christmas assistance can apply in person at SVCM's office October 21st - November 11th.

When can I sign up to be a sponsor?

You can sign up now! Sponsor applications are open. Please sign up to sponsor by November 5th so we can match you with a family/families. 

Who should be a sponsor?

Anyone! Individuals, families, churches, businesses, civic organizations, small groups, neighborhoods, athletic teams... the options are endless! 

If sponsoring a child or a family is too much for you as an individual, ask a friend to go in with you.

When will I find out information about the child(ren) I sponsored?

Applications for neighbors will close November 11th. At the latest, you should find out about your match November 20th. We always try to match sponsors with their child/family as applicants sign up to give you as much time as possible to purchase gifts. *The exception to this is if you are a late add-on sponsor. We will match you as soon as we can. 

Can I do a toy drive instead of sponsoring a child?

We are no longer doing toy drives for the Johnny Raines Christmas Cheer Program. We have found that the most efficient and effective way to provide Christmas assistance for our neighbors is by matching sponsors with children/families. 

How do we package the gifts? It was a little confusing last year. 

We hear you. The SVCM team is reorganizing the packaging protocols! Coming soon, you'll have a page that has simple, but detailed instructions on how to package the gifts. 

When is drop-off week?

Great question! Check out our page of Important Dates that has all the information for drop-off week.  

What if I have other questions?

Email Shelby Robinson, the Christmas Cheer Coordinator, with any other questions at shelby@svcmblackmountain.org or text 828-419-0625. Please note that SVCM's business hours are 9am-3pm, Monday-Friday. We typically only respond during that window.