During this special holy season, it is customary to bestow and receive gifts from friends and family, ’tis the time of giving. However, sometimes there are those within our midst that go without, that will have no presents due to limited finances, lack of employment or circumstances beyond their control. These individuals number in the thousands, throughout eastern Kentucky, and some will be touched by the generosity of the Christian Appalachian Project’s Christmas Basket Program.

Santa’s elves at the Christian Appalachian Project began their work during the heat of June, sending appeal letters throughout our nation to spark interest and involvement in the Christmas program. CAP caseworkers compile "wish lists" from local families in need. The "wish lists" travel to donors across the country, as well as real nearby. The holiday packages begin to make their way to Kentucky just after Halloween and continue to arrive through the mail up until the first week of December.

Distribution of the holiday packages begins two weeks before Christmas in rural eastern Kentucky counties. Local churches open their doors to CAP and provide participants with a special service before the gift distribution to rejoice in song and praise. It becomes a joint community effort, as a number of religions lend their space and sanctuary to the programs within the various counties.

Throughout the course of December, the CAP Christmas basket program will provide gifts, food and brighten the holidays for hundreds of Appalachian individuals and families, who otherwise would have a rather bleak, sparse Christmas.

"My children would not have had a Christmas if it hadn’t been for CAP, they’ve been a true blessing to our household." remarked a participant in McCreary county.

On behalf of those God has called us to serve, we thank those of you who support this effeort as well as CAP's programs throughout the year.  May God bless you for you compassion and generosity.

Not only during the holidays but throughout the year, The Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) is there lending a hand up. CAP is an interdenominational, nonprofit Christian service organization committed to serving people in need in Appalachia by providing physical, spiritual and emotional support through education, crisis intervention and community development. With a variety of programs and services, CAP’s efforts reach people through the thirteen Appalachian states.

This year we have an urgent need for additional sponsors.  Currently we have over 100 families lacking sponsors.  Please contact us at the number below and be part of a real Christmas miracle for a family in the holiest of all seasons.  To get the information you need to become a sponsor, contact:

Brenda Watts

(606) 256-5822

Christian Appalachian Project

Outreach Services . 495 Williams Street . Mt Vernon, KY   40456

email: BWatts@Chrisapp.org