The Joy of Giving

By Carol Stringer

... They set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:9-11 (NRSV)

The Christmas season is upon us, and like the magi who set out to bring gifts and blessings to a child in a far off land, we are fortunate to recognize the benevolence of donors who share their gifts with families in Appalachia. Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) is surrounded by a multitude of individuals, families, and partners who tirelessly and thanklessly give to people in need though their time, gifts, prayers, and money. CAP and the people of Eastern Kentucky are constantly blessed by the generosity of strangers from afar, and never more so than during the season of Christmas.

CAP’s Christmas Basket Program creates an opportunity for families, individuals, and groups to sponsor a family and provide them with the toys, clothes, and other gifts they could otherwise not afford for Christmas. This program has inspired dedicated supporters from all over the United States since the 1970s and has become a Christmas tradition for many of CAP’s donors. Some of these donors send gifts in the mail; others volunteer their time to help assemble and distribute Christmas baskets here in Appalachia. While each story is unique, all reflect the joy received from shopping for others to help create a special Christmas for people in need.

Many donors love shopping for the specific items that a family wants or needs. Carla Liverman, of Danville, Ky., says that her favorite memory of giving is of the year she sponsored a family who was interested in the outdoors. “I enjoyed purchasing all the camping accessories and items they needed, including sleeping bags for the kids, a tent, and cookware. I could practically taste the s’mores!”

In addition to purchasing the items for Christmas baskets, the Kidd family from New Jersey traveled to Kentucky to assist with the distribution of the Christmas boxes. Ms. Kidd was touched by the happy faces of participants and observed the dedication of the staff. She knew that her giving had made a significant impact as she witnessed the joy of her efforts.

Ms. McGrath, of Maryland, says, “I have a healthy family and they have everything they could possibly need, so how could we not give to people who are less financially secure?”

Ms. McGrath shares a theme common amongst all the donors — the desire to share the blessings they have received.

Ms. Liverman shared that she needed to help a family to celebrate the spirit of giving. “I’ve received far more joy from hunting for the presents for the family I sponsored than I would have gotten from receiving presents myself.”

For people in need, the generosity of these strangers is a godsend. Save for the random toy or board game, these gifts are far from frivolous; the majority of these presents are essential items like clothing and toiletries. There are stacks and stacks of Thank You notes from the families who received gifts, often expressing the sentiment that, without these Christmas baskets, they would have no presents for their children or for one another. With gifts under their Christmas trees, they speak of the joy of watching their children’s faces light up as they open their presents. Their gratitude and joy represents the full circle of giving — they are able to be blessed in the same way our generous donors have been blessed by their gifts.

Christian Appalachian Project is fortunate for donors whose joy and gratitude extends to our participants. Like the magi, our bringing and sharing of gifts has the ability to fill us all with overwhelming joy.

Cincinnati Woodworkers Deliver Toys for Christmas

Cincinnati Woodworkers Deliver Toys for Christmas On Saturday, Nov. 14, representatives from the Cincinnati Woodworkers delivered wooden toys to CAP’s Family Advocacy program to be utilized for various Christmas events. Ray and his two daughters, Olivia & Camelia, delivered the toys. Special thanks to George Murphy of the group for coordinating this gift and supporting CAP’s mission with these hand-crafted wooden toys.