APPALACHIA (July 30, 2024) – Christian Appalachian Project’s (CAP) Operation Sharing program
served 12,000 children and their families during a series of distributions this summer done in
partnership with Marine Toys for Tots and Good360. CAP has partnered with the two
organizations since 2020 to distribute toys, as well as other essential items, to Appalachian
communities. This summer, around 40,000 toys and up to $5 million worth of essential items
were distributed through the partnership.
“Partnerships are a critical part in the work we do,” said Ben Ridner, manager of CAP’s
Operation Sharing in Corbin. “These distributions are helping ease some financial stress off of
families in our region which will help them be able to buy gas, a few more groceries, or
whatever they are struggling to afford.”
Some families like Kendra Blanton’s are facing challenging situations. Two weeks prior to the
distribution in her community, Blanton’s home caught fire. Her family, including her 4-year-old
son, lost several belongings.
“I wanted my son to have toys again. When I told him we were coming to the distribution, he
was so excited,” Blanton said. “We are in need of everything because we lost everything. It is
very tight for us right now. It’s overwhelming because our situation was unexpected and
devastating. All of the items we received mean so much to my family because we are in need.”
Operation Sharing serves communities in all 13 Appalachian states, as well as the two Ozark
states of Arkansas and Missouri. For the first time this summer, CAP hosted two toy
distributions out of state in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and St. Albans, West Virginia.
“When we go to other Appalachian communities, we see a dire need just as we see in Eastern
Kentucky,” said Aaron Thoms, manager of CAP’s Operation Sharing in Paintsville. “We hear
stories about families barely making ends meet or saving the toys until Christmas. Things are
tight for everyone. It doesn’t matter what your demographic is or where you are from, we all
need a little bit of help some time.”
For more information about how to help people in need in Appalachia, visit christianapp.org.
