Some of Our Angels

At Angels & Elves, we’ve all heard about Joy Nagle—the incredible woman who started this program in 1991. While Kiwanis has been running it since 2003, Joy was the heart behind its creation, leading it for five years before moving out of state.

In a twist of fate, Joy returned to North Conway over Thanksgiving weekend in 2016. While stopping for lunch at Black Cap, she noticed the Angels & Elves sign outside and decided to step inside.

As she entered, we greeted her and asked if she needed assistance. Spotting the original logo she had designed, she was visibly moved and said, “I started this program.” Our Head Elf, just as surprised, asked, “Is your name Joy?” What followed was a heartfelt reunion filled with hugs and tears.

Joy was amazed to see how the program had flourished since her time here, growing to serve 450-600 children each year. She had no idea it had continued after she left the Valley. We’re so grateful we got to meet you, Joy!

Joe Bagshaw & Melinda Coyle

About ten years ago, Joe and Melinda walked into Elf Headquarters in North Conway. They came in with questions—curious, thoughtful, and determined to help. We told them about our work at Angels & Elves: providing toys, warm winter clothing, and comfort to local children, from infants through high school seniors. We explained how teens often get overlooked during the holidays and how warm bedding is always a need. They listened—and then they acted.

Within a few days, they returned with armfuls of generosity: Lego sets (always our most requested toy), flannel sheets, fleece blankets, jewelry for teens, and of course, Joe’s now-legendary handmade wooden race cars. Every year since, they made these contributions faithfully. Even when Joe was recovering from heart surgery, Melinda made sure the gifts got to us, and when she passed, Joe kept the tradition going, arriving one last time, in 2024, in his caregiver’s car with his usual donations. Joe passed away in 2025. But the difference he and Melinda made—for so many children over the years—won’t be forgotten.

Each year we put up two trees: an Elf Tree and an Angel Tree. We tell people it’s like It’s a Wonderful Life—you have to earn your wings to be an Angel. Joe and Melinda earned theirs quickly, and proudly looked for their names each season. They will always be on our Angel Tree for their kindness, warmth, and dedication to our program.

Sam Thompson

In 2021, Sam Thompson was called to the Torah for his Zoom Bar Mitzvah in Marco Island, Florida. To celebrate his accomplishment, Sam chose a mitzvah project close to his heart—donating gifts to the Kiwanis Club of North Conway.

In February 2021, when Sam’s brother Noah broke his leg and was hospitalized, the Kiwanis Club provided him with a bear for comfort. Sam had a similar experience, receiving a handmade blanket during his own hospital stay, showing how small acts of kindness can make a big difference for children in need.

For his mitzvah project, Sam asked guests to bring gifts for children aged 13 and up to be distributed during the holiday season through the Kiwanis Club. Sam and his dad delivered the toys to Angels & Elves Headquarters, where Sam spent time with the elves, asking thoughtful questions about the behind-the-scenes magic.

Pictured here are students from the Conway Middle School who have joined the Kiwanis Club of Mount Washington Valley Builders Club. They chose to have a sock drive, donating the socks to Angels & Elves. Kudos to the kiddos! Thanks to Kiwanian Diane Gamache who guides the Club so expertly.

The Builders Club is the largest service organization for middle school and junior high students, with more than 23,000 members worldwide. Members learn to work together and develop servant-leaders skills as they serve their school and community. In partnership with UNICEF and March of Dimes, the clubs are able to expand their outreach to babies and children of the world.