WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Parenting Path is helping a record number of kids in need have a good Christmas this year.

It offered a strictly virtual angel tree program for the first time in 40 years, and the community adopted about 180 kids.

It bought toys, gifts, and in some cases, coats and food for families.

“We had families say ‘please don’t get any gifts for my child, but could you buy us food? Instead of doing presents for our kids?’" said Elizabeth Miller, The Parenting Path’s CEO. “We had several families who requested warm winter jackets for their children, which was a really tough thing to see because when a 6-year-old is asking for a warm coat instead of toys that means there’s a huge need there.”

The organization helps about 1,000 families a year, but only 200 to 300 at a time usually need its attention.

Its goal is to strengthen families, support parents, and ultimately prevent child abuse and neglect.

It has counseling and programs for new parents, and offers intervention when families face issues with the department of social services.

“I think one of the ways people are trying to help themselves understand and feel better about 2020 and COVID-19 is helping other people,” Miller said.  “And so I think we saw a huge outpouring of people who wanted to make sure that other families had good Christmases this year.”

The Parenting Path still has families who are need of food and money for medication, so if you missed your chance to adopt a child on the angel tree this year and you’d still like to make a donation, you can do so on their website here.