Hope for the Holidays

Haw Creek Elementary third-grader Lilyanne Cicale hopes to brighten the holidays for those in need in Asheville. For the past few years, Lilyanne and her mom have worked together on all types of service projects this time of year.

By Stacia Harris
BCS Communications

Haw Creek Elementary third-grader Lilyanne Cicale hopes to brighten the holidays for those in need in Asheville. For the past few years, Lilyanne and her mom have worked together on all types of service projects this time of year.

“I strive to instill a kind and compassionate heart in my daughter,” Ms. Cicale said. “I've coordinated and taken part in service projects, volunteer opportunities, and charity events my entire life. To me, it is one of the most fulfilling things that you can do, and I really want my daughter to have that same outlook on doing good for others.”

In 2015, Lilyanne painted canvases and gave the artwork to residents at a local assisted living facility. In 2016, the duo partnered with Tea children’s clothing company and raised over $8,000 for Make-a-Wish WNC. The next year, they raised $4,000 for the Asheville Humane Society. In 2018, Lilyanne donated her hair to Locks of Love. Last year, they gave out bagged lunches to those in need in Downtown Asheville. Finally, this year, Lilyanne and her mom are collecting warm weather clothes and gear to also handout downtown.

“I like to help people in need that don't have as much as others,” Lilyanne exclaimed. “I like to make people happy and make them smile. I like to show people that I care, even if I'm a stranger to them. But the best part is getting to do this stuff with my mama."

If you’d like to help Lilyanne with this year’s service project, you are welcome to bring donations of new blankets, socks, gloves, hats, and other similar items to Haw Creek Elementary. You can safely place them in donation bins right outside the front door through Friday, December 18.
Hope for the Holidays!

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