​HUNTERSVILLE – In the midst of the holiday season, the Angels and Sparrows Soup Kitchen hosted its annual Christmas Party for Kids. The gathering was exclusively for the children of families who visit the soup kitchen on a regular basis, with 192 tickets distributed for the event.

Covia Corp. of Huntersville, a premier provider of materials to the industrial and energy industries, sponsored the event which featured a hot lunch for the family, a visit and photo with Santa and the opportunity for each child to go toy-shopping with a Covia volunteer.

Angels and Sparrows collected toy donations for several months prior to the event, with the Marines Corps’ Toys For Tots program providing the bulk of toys. Toys were also donated by students at Lake Norman Charter School and the Huntersville Target.

“The holidays can be an especially challenging time for families in need, as they desire to provide the same Christmas experiences we so often take for granted, but resources are limited,” said Jessika Tucker, executive director of Angels and Sparrows. “What was especially endearing was hearing the children tell Santa their hopes for the future, such as to become a doctor, lawyer, or musician. They dream just as big as other children and we were delighted to partner with Covia Corp. to provide this opportunity for our families to celebrate the season and voice their desires.”

The soup kitchen also provided each family with a Christmas meal box that included a ham and other ingredients for a traditional holiday meal. 

Contact: Jessika Tucker
Jessika@angelsandsparrows.org
​704-918-0122
 
Huntersville, NC, October 4, 2018 - When Sandy Tilley left her corporate job in 2007 to fulfill her calling to establish a soup kitchen in Huntersville, many people thought she was crazy. First, there was the misconception that there were no poor or hungry people in the Lake Norman area. Secondly, why would a woman with a comfortable life and nearing retirement age attempt to create something from the ground up with no financial backing? Neither of those or any other obstacles stopped Sandy Tilley.
 
Fast forward ten years and over 300,000 meals served, and that in itself, should tell you something about Tilley’s determination and passion. She, along with the help of numerous volunteers and thoughtful donors, grew her passion project into a thriving, busy soup kitchen that also provides a place of companionship and hope.
 
Effective Friday, October 12, 2018, Tilley will retire from her position as Executive Director of Angels and Sparrows. Long-time volunteer and Board Member, Jessika Tucker, has been named the new Executive Director. Tucker has been instrumental in the success of multiple fundraisers for the program and shares Tilley’s passion for serving our community. Tucker has an impressive background and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. She is currently earning her Masters of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Non-Profit Leadership.
 
“It’s with mixed emotions that I made the decision to retire,” Tilley shares. “But it’s time, and I’ll continue to support Angels and Sparrows as an advisor and will remain on the Board of Directors with a new title, Executive Director Emeritus.”
 
Tilley says she’ll try to relax some but will stay busy working on a new passion project. “I recently began writing a book about the many miracles and blessings that God has bestowed on us over the past ten years, as well as stories about many of our patrons who have passed through our doors.”
 
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved,” Tilley shares. “So many loving volunteers and generous supporters have made this possible. I’m just glad we have someone like Jessika who will oversee and continue the program. We are in extremely capable hands.”
 
Angels and Sparrows Soup Kitchen is a non-profit organization located at 514 N. Old Statesville Road in Huntersville. It serves warm, nourishing lunches to those in need in our community every Monday through Friday year-round. Learn more at www.angelsandsparrows.org.
 
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