The 3rd annual Appalachian Women's Fund Holiday Luncheon for Members and Friends was held in Boone last Tuesday to celebrate the accomplishments of the organization and to collect gifts that will be distributed to women at OASIS, Watauga Avery Mitchell Yancey Community Action, and Hospitality House. This year, the Appalachian Women's Fund distributed a total of $55,500 to programs to help women and girls in the Appalachian Mountain area. Programs ranged from combating homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse, hunger and poverty to providing gap tuition at ASU and meeting healthcare needs through the Community Care Clinic. The gifts attendees brought to the luncheon will be opened on Christmas morning "by tired moms, grandmothers and girls who put all their time and energy into making Christmas happen for their families.