The prayers of many Appalachian families struggling against poverty were answered recently in McCreary County, Kentucky. Most faced the likelihood of another

Christmas without a meal on the table, much less presents under the tree for their children.

However, thanks to CAP’s Christmas Basket Distribution Program, many families and seniors were not forgotten this holiday season. Nearly five hundred Appalachian families received clothing and toys for the children and vouchers for food. Seniors also received food vouchers as well as gifts such as fishing poles, sewing kits and clothing.

CAP’s Christmas Basket Distribution Program pairs families and seniors in need with donors across the United States in order to share the spirit of Christmas with those less fortunate. The program serves several of the most economically distressed counties in the United States.

The Christmas basket recipients of McCreary County were invited to attend a church service filled with Christmas carols and good cheer. Several holiday favorites were sung by the children of CAP’s local Children’s Development Program.

According to one participant, Clare, a mother of three young sons: “The boys get a lot of clothing and that helps out a lot. It makes you feel good in a way, it really does, that people still care.”