Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Western, NC (WNN)- A Cherryville, NC native and her husband are demonstrating the meaning of "it's better to give than receive" by donating time, resources, and themselves to bring Christmas joy to displaced families in Western North Carolina. Mary and Doug Underwood are no strangers to philanthropy and putting others first.
Mary and Doug Underwood
Mary Underwood
On Sunday, December 7th, they will bring Christmas joy to children who might not otherwise have anything for Christmas. It is estimated that as many as 1,100 people will visit the two locations for the toy drive "drive-thru" that the couple will be hosting, along with some other dear friends they have made over the years while serving the western mountain area of NC.
When asked about their motivation in helping with this cause, Mary stated, "It seems God has been so good to us in the hard times and the best of times, and honestly, the love, appreciation, and gratitude we receive in doing small gestures for others is the most rewarding." Many times, those affected by natural disasters are soon forgotten after a few weeks or months. As time passes, people simply turn their focus and attention elsewhere.
They don't stop caring, but with the news focusing on other events, the rush of compassion felt at the onset of disaster recovery quickly gets lost in the mix. Couples like the Underwoods understand that children are most impacted, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Once you have lost your home, car, and livelihood, it takes time to heal and to recover.
No child, for any reason, should go without at least one present for Christmas. Hosting a drive-thru toy and gift giveaway, and serving a cup of hot chocolate, might not seem like a big deal; however, to that child who gets to experience a gift for Christmas, it means everything! Knowing that someone cares and they have not been forgotten is priceless.
For several years, Doug and Mary have been making philanthropic contributions during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Some volunteers from Big Brothers Big Sisters caught wind of their generosity and reached out about concentrating on the areas of Western NC hit by Hurricane Helene for a Christmas project. In 2024, they were able to serve 648 children and saw firsthand the immense joy that one single toy could bring to a child.
This year, instead of working with organizations, they will join a community of friends they have grown to know through years of service in the western mountain area. The group was able to guide them to an area of the direst needs. They will now have the opportunity to make a positive impact on a struggling community with families who otherwise would have no toys for their children this year. As stated earlier, upwards of 1100 are expected.
Toys for toy drive-thru
Mary Underwood
It could be more, or it could be less. Mary said they did not really know what to expect, but they would be trusting God to provide for each person. "We never know who we're going to help or who we will impact or whose lives we will change, but we do know one thing, WE are changed forever!"
Big Brothers and Big Sisters did reach out again this year, just before this article went to print. They still needed help with 46 children, so the Underwoods will be taking toys and gifts to that coordinator on Monday to assist children in Polk County.
Toys for toy drive-thru
Mary Underwood
About 30 years ago, Mary's father introduced her to the North Carolina Baptists on Mission Disaster Response. Her husband, Doug, has been volunteering with them for 10 years. As seasoned volunteers, they served in Western North Carolina shortly after Helene ravaged the area.
A Baptist on Mission Vehicle with Supplies
Mary Underwood
Mary reflected on her time serving with Baptists on Mission, "Being a part of this organization has opened our eyes to a lot of the needs of people as they faced natural disasters caused by flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, or fires." As they served as "feet on the ground" in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, they would serve anywhere from 300 to 36,000 meals per day.
Mary serving a meal with Baptists on Mission
Mary Underwood
Feeding teams were called out to assist displaced families, along with feeding volunteers who were starting massive rebuilding projects in Canton, Spruce Pine, Bat Cave, Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and other areas throughout the western mountain region.
There are still volunteers serving, and there will be for some time, as many families are still homeless, displaced, living in tents and donated campers. They still struggle financially after losing their livelihoods and everything they own.
Doug serving with Baptists on Mission.
Mary Underwood
Four times per year, Valentine's Day, Grandparents Day, Christmas, and Easter, Doug and Mary can be found helping their good friend Angela B. Hardin distribute 80 gift bags to residents at Woodlawn Haven Rest Home.
The Underwoods spreading Christmas Cheer.
Mary Underwood
About 90% of the residents have no living relatives to care for their daily needs; this assisted living facility is state-funded. The individuals are reliant on volunteers to provide them with hygiene and personal items due to having no family. Hardin has been providing gift bags four times per year for several years.
The Underwoods help her with each distribution. The bags consist of blankets, books, hygiene items, and treats to bring joy to the residents. As they give out bags, they also sing to help entertain the residents and bring a little joy into their day. The personal interaction is the greatest gift they give.
After packing boxes for the Charlotte Rescue Mission's annual box giveaway that are filled with recommended food items for Thanksgiving and Christmas, they had the idea to pack extra boxes. They keep these on hand for the occasions when they will see a social media post of individuals needing a little boost with meals or toys. They are prepared with boxes ready to be distributed when needed.
Food box being prepared.
Mary Underwood
As you can imagine, all this preparation can sometimes be overwhelming. Many times, they doubt if they can meet all the needs or that maybe the projects are too big, yet each time that have been reminded that God can and will provide. They were amazed at how many friends had donated toys, money, or volunteered to assist in the giveaways.
Boxes of toys for toy drive-thru.
Mary Underwood
The question most people inquire about, after hearing about this project, is, What is the biggest thing these families in Western NC are still facing? The Underwoods summed it up by saying that in most storms, maybe a few trees will fall or power might be lost, and the community will quickly overcome. A storm such as Helene and the resulting flooding are completely different.
Instead of one or two homes lost, everyone in the community lost homes, cars, their livelihoods, and business opportunities, literally everything. Unfortunately, many had little or no insurance for this type of unexpected natural event.
They have been told stories of unimaginable, horrific tragedy that overtook their immediate families and neighbors. Yes, they will eventually rebuild, but it will take years, and much more time will be needed to completely heal.
So, what is the biggest thing these families still face? Mary sums it up in her closing thoughts, "They need our prayers, they need our love, but mostly they are human and humble, and they hope that they are not forgotten."
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