ETCHA seeking community support in Give Thanks campaign

Published 12:59 am Saturday, November 27, 2021

Facing deepening challenges presented by inflation and COVID-19, the East Tennessee Christian Home and Academy has set a lofty goal for its 2021 Give Thanks Campaign.

In honor of its 75th Anniversary, ETCHA is working to raise $75,000.

“As you can imagine our resources and energies has been stretched but we are as committed during these difficult times to share the gospel and help at risk children and their families,” said Melissa Marvel, ETCHA director of services. “During this past year we have provided stability, while we spur our kids towards a deeper walk with Christ. In addition, we provided benevolence funds and counseling to children and families in our aftercare program.”

ETCHA has continued its commitment to remain self-supporting and free from state dollars and influence.

Marvel said that lives have been forever changed through ETCHA as evidenced this year with two high school graduates.

“They both had huge obstacles to overcome, but both stood at their graduation and proclaimed how God and ETCHA had changed their lives and brought healing and joy not only in their lives but the lives of their families as well,” Marvel said. “It is the joy and healing from within that only Jesus Christ can provide. We are excited to see God work in their lives.”

The campaign is a simple one as everyone is asked to remember the ministry during the holiday season and to share with the ETCHA ministry a monetary gift equal to or greater than the amount that one spends for their holiday meal.

“This is our most important campaign of the year. Without these funds we wouldn’t be able to help the families and children that we do,” Marvel said. “The strain this year on our finances between inflation and the pandemic have been a stress but we keep moving forward trusting in the Lord to do as much as we can for as many as we can.”

ETCHA is a 501(c)3 organization and donations are tax deductible.

“We want to thank everyone in advance for their support and above all we thank our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” Marvel said.

Monetary gifts can be mailed to East Tennessee Christian Home and Academy, P.O. Box 1147, Elizabethton, TN 37644. Marvel is also available to answer any questions by calling the Christian Home at 423-542-6848.

More information can also be found at www.etcha.org.