Most people greet the holidays with a sense of excitement and good cheer, but for some parents, this time of year is a source of worry and stress, wondering if they will be able to afford to give their children anything on Christmas morning.

It’s a question no parent should have to face, said Lisa James, executive director of Haywood Christian Ministry. Fortunately, there are plenty of generous individuals willing to help ensure every child has something under the tree on Christmas morning.

Haywood Christian Ministry teams up with the Haywood County Department of Social Services to gather information on which families need help. The Salvation Army used to participate in the effort, but has done its own campaign for the past several years.

For James, HCM’s effort, Project Christmas Love, ...