Christmas Miracles Still Happen

BY TINA V. BRYSON

Christian Appalachian Project’s (CAP) Operation Sharing program, in partnership with Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, distributed toys to students in 54 counties in Kentucky, as well as distressed Appalachian counties in Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, and Ohio. Children in several North Carolina counties that were impacted by Hurricane Helene also received toys.

“We received approximately 2.8 million toys. We were committed to getting the toys out to as many children as possible,” said Ben Ridner, manager of CAP’s Operation Sharing program in Corbin. “This means the world to me. We don’t know what each kid may be dealing with on a daily basis, but these distributions, I think gives the kids a sense of security knowing if they need it there are people out there that want to help.”

Kentucky’s Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, a former schoolteacher, was on hand to greet children and share holiday wishes with event volunteers at a distribution event in Lee County.

“This is what we call the Team Kentucky spirit. It is showing up when people need you,” Coleman said. “This kind of outreach pays dividends down the road. To serve and make sure these kids have a merry Christmas is what this is all about. I am grateful Christian Appalachian Project is serving children in so many communities.”

CAP has been partnering with Marine Toys for Tots Foundation for about five years with summer distributions. The donation of toys at a time when many families were still recovering from natural disasters really made a difference.

“This is home for us, and we have a deep love for the people here. Our goal is to be the hands and feet of Christ—spreading kindness, hope, and joy,” said Aaron Thoms, manager of CAP’s Operation Sharing program in Paintsville. “Life can be tough for so many families, and if we can bring smiles to children’s faces and lighten the burden even a little, then we are fulfilling our mission.”

He added, “The pure joy and excitement from the children was unforgettable. It wasn’t just about helping a select few. CAP was able to provide toys to every child through numerous school partnerships, making sure no one was left out. That inclusivity and impact made this effort truly special.”

Ridner and Thoms made about 400 phone calls to coordinate this multi-state event, as well as coordinating their teams and other CAP staff to sort and bag toys for each school district. Each child received toys with an estimated value of $150, with a special letter from Santa tucked inside.

“I’m very proud to work for an organization that supports us in helping as many people as we can,” Ridner added. “I am also so proud of all the staff that came together to make this a happy and joyful day for all the kids.”

At the in-person distribution, children were treated to hot chocolate and cookies. They visited with Santa Claus before picking up their bag of toys. Semi-trucks emblazoned with Operation Sharing’s message of “We Deliver Hope” delivered toys to schools that were closed due to inclement weather so schoolchildren could receive them upon their return to the building.

“I am most proud of the community collaboration, the dedication of CAP staff and our teams, and the impact we were able to make together,” Thoms said. “Honestly, I’m just grateful to have played even a small part in bringing joy to a child’s life this Christmas.”