By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
New Bern is known for its strong sense of community identity: its complex history, architecture, waterways, natural beauty, and most importantly its citizens and their drive to make our little town an enriching place to live. There is no shortage of not-for-profit organizations in New Bern, and each one contributes to the betterment of our community for the greater good in a different way. During the holiday season, with its celebrations and many fundraising events, the volume gets turned up when it comes to giving back to others, especially those in need. The Angel Tree is no exception…
Magnolia Jane Salon
One of New Bern’s favorite salons, Magnolia Jane, located on the back side of Middle Street at 236- D, next to Bear City Fudge, is a tiny slice of heaven. It’s cheerful, light and bright, filled with natural beauty products by Aveda, Organic Pure Care, and KRIPA, an organic Italian line make-up. Owner, Laura McGovern, was born and raised in the Charlotte area, where she attended Queens University & The AVEDA Institute. In 2011, she planted fresh roots in New Bern, and began working at C. Foy Tonsorial Parlor—an upscale barbershop in downtown. “I learned a wealth of invaluable skills not only for hair, but also running a business, not to mention the best life advice ever,” says Laura. “After several years of working for Mr. Foy and a couple other salons in town, I knew I wanted to bring the salon culture and atmosphere that I was familiar with in Charlotte to the quaint town I had fallen deeply in love with. It was also important for me to bring plant-based, sustainable beauty as well that are safe for us as humans, and also kind to the Earth.” And so she opened the doors to Magnolia Jane Salon in 2014. And since then the salon has grown its client base, and has become enormously popular and successful.
The Angel Tree
In 2018, Hurricane Florence hit New Bern, and with it came a path of destruction and devastation. Although Magnolia Jane Salon did not sustain damage, Laura’s home in Bridgeton took on about 4.5 feet of water. Like so many other families and businesses, what she and her family experienced was utterly overwhelming. “With our main living floor being worked on around the clock downstairs, we lived in one room with five animals upstairs. Our Christmas tree and all of our decorations were lost in the flood, and as heartbreaking as that was, I couldn’t help but think about the many children in our community that felt that heartbreak even stronger, and also the parents that carried that weight,” she says. “I had a connection at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain and asked if they had any club members whose families were affected by Florence. The answer was a resounding ‘yes,’ and I requested that the kids send their wish lists to me so that I could put them in the salon to share with our clients. When I received the lists, I was in disbelief. They did not have items you would expect from children. Most lists had items like towels, dishes, laundry baskets, silverware, sheets, and even beds and mattresses. These were the lists from children in our community. I asked for the children to submit another list of toys and items they would like to have in addition to the household items. I was determined to make sure they had both. Our incredible clients and community came through and we were able to provide everything on the lists and more for each family. I will never forget, as long as I live, dropping off the bunk beds to a family that was forced to move in with friends after Florence, and their children were sleeping on the floor. They were so incredibly grateful and relieved. Parents were able to still bring Christmas magic despite their worlds being turned upside down.”
After that year, the Angel Tree continued to grow. Last year it served 130 people and it required renting a U-Haul truck to deliver all the gifts! “Delivering the gifts to the families each year is extremely emotional for me, not only to know these families are shown love, but to see how much Dre Nix and her team at the Boys & Girls Clubs pour into their members and also how our community truly comes together, always,” says Laura. “It is incredible the impact that a little salon in a little town can make, and it is something I look forward to organizing and being a part of every single year. I just received the requests for this year and there are over 200, so we are seeking contributions from our generous community.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain
The mission of the Boys & Girls Club is “to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.” This impactful organization provides genuine care and interaction between the leaders and the kids. One of the leaders, Dre Nix, Senior Vice-President of Operations and Programs, has been a part of the organization for 23 years, serving for the past seven years in Craven County. “We serve seventeen Clubs in seven counties, and I provide support to Carteret, Craven and Beaufort Counties Clubs,” says Dre. “In New Bern we have the J.T. Barber Elementary Unit at 1700 Cobb Street, as well as the New Bern Teen Center at 1203 Queen Street,” says Dre. “When Laura reached out to me, she said she wanted to support families in need, to provide gifts during the holidays—not just for the children, but for everyone in the family, including grandparents, and that just touched my heart, because everyone wants to be able to have a gift to open on Christmas day.”
And the first year was a huge success. Then COVID hit. It was harder than ever for everyone, but especially families in need. “I called Laura and asked if we could add not only New Bern families but Carteret as well, and she said yes. It amazes me that special programs like the Angel Tree are willing to give so very much out of the kindness of their hearts to help kids and families that they don’t even know. The need is just as great this year; families are already making requests. I’m always amazed when I read the list. One year I had a mom that said she needed stuff for the kitchen, like pots and pans and dishes so she could cook for her family, she got everything she asked for. There are always tears when we bring the gifts to the families. Even the teenagers are excited, and that’s something because they are typical teenagers and are usually just mad all the time,” she says, laughing.
“For me, my holiday season starts when I get the call from Laura that we’re getting started. I love what she does and the support that she gets from our New Bern community. They are willing to do so much. It’s all motivated by generosity and love. This is my favorite time of year because I can see there is still hope and there are wonderful people out there,” says Dre. “This holiday time and the Angel Tree demonstrates that what we are doing is truly blessed and truly community-based.”
How to Give to the Angel Tree:
Stop by Magnolia Jane Salon at 236-D Middle Street and pick up an angel wish list. Shop, purchase and wrap the gifts and return them to the salon by December 15th.
To Donate:
www.bgccp.com or
www.facebook.com/bgccp