July 22, 2009 by admin
Filed under Feature Stories
Days after February 20, the images of eastern Kentucky, seen on TV, haunted Amy Guerrieri. A passionate mother of four, and owner of five businesses with her husband Rob, Amy is a natural self-starter. She could not think about anything other than the children and families in such desperate need in Kentucky. Like all of her endeavors, it did not take Amy long to decide to take action, and she knew exactly what she had to do. She had to help.
Owner of, a new nutritional water for children, Amy immediately decided to donate 4,000 bottles of ROCKIN’ WATER to the children of Appalachia. But she didn’t stop with her own donation. She then tackled her community, talking to anyone who would listen about the struggles and needs of the area. Visiting two schools in her small town of Greenwich, Connecticut, putting collection bins in her bagel stores and café, Amy collected clothing, school supplies, hygiene products and books. In two weeks, she nearly filled a semi-truck with items to distribute to the area.
Through CAP, she arranged two school presentations, a visit to one of our Child and Family Development Centers, three food banks and visits with two struggling single mothers, each with four children. It was a trip that she never expected, and one she will never forget.
One month after Amy started her effort to help Appalachia, she arrived in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. After two very long days of meeting people, delivering goods to schools, churches and families, Amy and three friends from Connecticut were moved to tears, committed to going home raising awareness and assistance for the region. Promising everyone they met that they would be back with more help. “I never knew these kind of circumstances existed in America today. I live only ten hours away, and I had no idea people were in such need.” Amy’s passion runs deep. “This trip has changed my life forever, and I will be back.”
Amy has held true to her promise of returning to Appalachia. She and her husband Rob visited, with another semi-truck load of goods from her community in May. With more trips planned, Amy has “adopted” one community to focus her efforts. “If each community across our country could take one community in Appalachia, imagine what we could do.” Amy’s worry, has turned to motivation. She has started her own non-profit, RAMP, Rockin’ Appalachian Mom Project that is dedicated to helping CAP help the region. “When we have touched the lives of everyone who needs our help in this county, then we will move on to another and another.”
I was just curious as to whether or not there is a specific address where I can send or bring clothes for CAP. I would love to help, I am just not sure as how or where to start.
Clothing donations can be sent to:
Christian Appalachian Project
2610 Palumbo Dr
Lexington, KY 40509
My daughter works at an upscale clothing store and is always coming across great deals. We would also love to send clothes. This is a great opportunity.
Does anyone know where I can see Diane Sawyer’s primetime TV special on the plight of Appalachians? I missed it and would like to see it
Diane Sawyer’s primetime TV special on the plight of Appalachians can be seen on ABC.com (under videos). It is listed as an episode of 20/20 called “The Mountains”.
Are there any churches or affiliations in central Indiana associated with you? My Mom wants to donate all of my Dad’s clothes to the Appalachian people since he passed but she can’t afford to ship them to you.
Hi Roberta,
Unfortunately, there are not any churches that we are officially affiliated with in central Indiana. A local church may want to team up with you to get the clothes to the Appalachian people, but there is not one in particular that we are associated with. We would love your donation of clothing, but I understand shipping is expensive. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. Please let us know if there is anything more we can do.
Thank you,
CAP
Are there any churches or affiliations in the South East? Our state had a tax free weekend on school supplies and clothing before school started. We took advantage of it and now we need somewhere to donate the supplies, clothing and shoes to. I want to donate it to an organization that shares the Gospel of Jesus and does all things in his name. Do you have any suggestions of who to donate to or how I can send them to CAP? Thank you.
Hi April,
We are not affiliated with any certain church in the South East, but we would love to receive your donation! We accept donations at:
Christian Appalachian Project
2610 Palumbo Drive
Lexington, KY 40509
In Christ,
CAP
Are you still accepting clothing to be sent to Appalachia? I have a friend that is wanting to donate.
Yes, thank you!
Please send to:
Christian Appalachian Project
2610 Palumbo Drive
Lexington, KY 40509
Thank you. God bless,
CAP
I have knitted and crocheted 50 very warm hats for children and
adults. I will be sending them next week!
Blessings for all you are doing.
Chaplain Sharen
What a blessing! Thank you so much Chaplain Sharen.
God bless you,
CAP