Spreading Christmas Cheer through CAP's Operation Sharing

Impact in Lee County

Lt. Gov. Jacquelin Coleman's visit to Lee County to hand out gifts was a heartwarming sight. She emphasized the importance of showing selfless giving and being there for people in need. This initiative not only made the kids' day but also took a burden off their parents. As Paige Ramey, the Family Resource Center Coordinator at Lee County Elementary, stated, "This is a huge deal for these kids living below the poverty line."

The act of distributing toys meant a great deal to Ramey and the parents. It provided a sense of relief knowing that their children would not go without during the Christmas season.

Manager's Perspective

Ben Ridner, the Manager at Operation Sharing in Corbin for CAP, shared his feelings about helping the kids firsthand. "It puts a smile on my face," he said. "Seeing the end result makes all the hard work worth it." His team's dedication was evident in the successful toy distribution.

One of the kindergarten students at Lee County Elementary, Taylor, was excited to see Santa and receive a present. When asked about her favorite thing about Christmas, she replied, "spending time with family and friends." This simple answer highlighted the true essence of the holiday.

Wider Reach

According to CAP, toys were given out to kids in all of the Appalachian counties in Kentucky, as well as some in Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, and Ohio. This extensive reach ensured that many children across the region experienced the joy of Christmas.

In total, CAP received approximately 3 million toys to give out this year. This massive donation allowed them to bring smiles to countless faces and make a lasting impact on the lives of these children.