For more years than I can remember, members of our church have collected and delivered Christmas gifts to families in the Appalachian community of Rose’s Creek. The community once enjoyed better times but has struggled mightily since the coal industry’s demise decades earlier. This year we adopted 21 very deserving families—most with children, although Helen and I adopted a childless couple this year.
Each family completes a wish list with help and guidance from the director of the Rose’s Creek Community Center. The lists are sent to the chairman of a committee in our church and distributed to volunteer shoppers. Our family wanted clothing and books. We also donated food items for the Giving Pantry at the center.
Last Saturday, the volunteers gathered at our church to load the gifts for the drive northward into the Appalachians. The drive takes us up and over two mountaintops along a narrow, winding road; thankfully, we would begin the journey on a beautiful day. Once all the vehicles were filled, one of our ministers led us in prayer, and off we went. Jennifer, the committee chairman, asked if I would lead the convoy. I eagerly accepted (if I worked on a garbage truck, I would want to be the driver).
Once on the road, the trip takes about two hours, with one stop to re-organize before the trip’s final leg. One of our volunteers missed the exit off I-75 and had to drive 10 miles into Kentucky for the next exit. Soon, however, we were together again, and the convoy arrived at the center to begin unloading the gifts.
Within thirty minutes or so, we filled the meeting room with pretty packages offering cheerful joy wrapped in ribbons, bows, and fancy paper. We’re told that the families will come to the center later in the week for a Christmas party and gift distribution. I would love to see the smiles all around. The Community Center staff offered us freshly baked cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee. The coffee was delicious—the cookies are not on Nutrisystem, so I passed, but I heard they were delightful.
As we gathered for a group picture, a Mama dog welcomed us to the neighborhood. She appeared to be searching out food for the family, and I wished I had a gift for her and her pups. I didn’t, but I gave her a pack of peanut butter crackers I had in my truck. They disappeared quickly.
With the mission complete, we made our way back over the mountain. An old saying is so true….” it’s more blessed to give.” We’re blessed, and we’re Easin’ Along.
I’m so glad y’all did that. Those people are truly deserving of all we can do. Merry Christmas!!!
Merry Christmas,
The trip to Rose’s Creek is always the highlight of the Christmas season for me. Happy New Year! Love ya’ Joe
Merry Christmas Joe and Helen – The spirit of Christmas shines through your every word. Wishing you a wonderful new year ahead!
Merry Christmas to you and Richard as well. This trip always gets me into the spirit. Sending wishes for a blessed 2023. Joe
What a wonderful thing to do and I’m sure very much appreciated. The true spirit of Christmas shining thru!
Hey, Christina,
I’m always happy to help with this project. Our church does a great job of putting it together and the support from our congregation is overwhelming. Always a heartwarming experience. Thanks for stopping by! Joe
Merry Christmas guys, what a wonderful thing you do each year. I’m sure your kindness brings lots of smiles.
Merry Christmas, Suzanne,
this project is always a heartwarming experience, and I plan to help with it as long as I am able. Great to hear from you–I was wondering if you were returning to the blogosphere. You were missed. Happy New Year to you and Malcolm. Joe
Joe, this is such an enduring and touching tradition involving two very different communities. Do you happen to know how and why your church family initially connected with Rose’s Creek? Your convoy reminds me of the CSX Santa Train which celebrated its 80th anniversary run this year. Wishing you and Helen many grand and glorious adventures in 2023!
Good morning, Mary,
Different indeed, but I’ve learned that deep inside, we all have similar needs and wants. It’s such a joy to help the people of Rose’s Creek obtain a few of the wants that are out of reach at this time. I don’t know how this tradition came about for our church. I need to find out because the leaders that began this project are long gone. Wishing you and Alan a fabulous start to a New Year filled with joy and happiness. Joe
Joe, this is such a beautiful, generous holiday tradition…and it truly embodies the spirit of the Christmas season!
We wish you and Helen a wonderful New Year, filled with many joyful adventures! Laurel & Eric
Good morning, Laurel,
Our church has been involved with this project for many years, and it’s always a wonderful way to add meaning to the Christmas season. We’re blessed in many ways, and Rose’s Creek provides us with a small opportunity to give back. Thanks for checking in. Here’s wishing you and Eric a New Year filled with joy and happiness. Joe
What a wonderful way to give back! It is a great example of the meaning of Christmas. Thank you.
Hi, Marian,
Our Rose’s Creek project is always a fun way to help make Christmas a little brighter for some very deserving families. I look forward to being a part of it every year. Great to hear from you. Here’s hoping you have a blessed and joyous 2023. Joe