Daniel took a step back and admired his masterpiece. A tower of wooden blocks, cylinders stacked upon rectangles, stood almost three-feet high, nearly reaching his nose. The three year old turned towards his classmate, another young boy, and proudly proclaimed, “Look at my fort!” The second boy stared for a moment at the precariously constructed creation and handed Daniel a long, thin, flat block. “It needs a road,” he said. Daniel pondered the suggestion for a moment, turning the block over in his small hands, and then nodded his head in confirmation. He placed the block at the base of the fort and both boys smiled. It was demolition time.

At only three years old, you wouldn’t think that CAP would have had time to play a vital role in the Daniel’s life. But block by block, CAP programs have built a foundation for success for a child born and raised in McCreary County, KY, one of our nation’s most impoverished counties.

Before Daniel began participating in CAP’s children’s programs, he didn’t like to share, and he had trouble communicating with others. But his mother notes dramatic improvements due his enrollment in CAP’s Preschool and Toddler Programs. “He’s an only child, and it’s helped him learn how to share and get along with other children,” she said. “He was so energetic and would talk really fast. Sometimes we couldn’t understand him.”

Daniel’s preschool teacher at CAP’s Child and Family Development Center confirmed his early struggles. “He hated naptime, and he had a hard time learning to play with other children” said one teacher. “But he’s always been polite and a very bright child. He’s a really quick learner.”

It’s so important for a child as bright as Daniel to develop the skill God has given. According to recent studies, children who do not receive support for healthy development in the areas of motor, language and social skills at an early age are more at risk for dropping out of school, committing crime, and receiving welfare payments as an adult (Burr & Grunewald, 2006). And in an area like McCreary County, those opportunities are far and few between. Daniel’s mother, Sheila, appreciates the educational head-start her son is receiving. “A lot of people where I live don’t have a lot of education. They didn’t get to go to school. So to be able to put my child in a program that will teach him this early is wonderful for me,” she explained.

Already, Daniel knows his ABC’s, can count up to twenty and has shown an interest towards anything farming-related. He loves farm animals, especially chickens and cows. And for Christmas, Daniel knew exactly what he wanted. “All my son wanted for Christmas this year was a little tractor,” said Sheila, “but times are hard, and it is very hard to provide for a child.”

But with a little help from CAP’s Christmas Basket program, Daniel may get his wish. Daniel’s family is participating in the program, which matches donors across the country with families in need during the holidays who may otherwise go without food and presents during Christmas. Daniel’s mother finds the holidays especially difficult. “I find my self thankful at times that I have only one child. It’s really hard during Christmas with just one.” But she’s inspired by the generosity of the donors. “It’s great to know that there’s somebody out there that’s willing to share and give a gift to people that are in need.”

But the support for Daniel and his family doesn’t end there. Recently, CAP helped replace the family’s roof and five windows. “Five out of seven windows were broken,” said Sheila, “and I can’t tell you how grateful I am that CAP helped fix our home.” The repairs will help ensure Daniel will live in safe environment, free leaks and bone chilling drafts that can plague a child’s health.

Just like his block fort, the foundation for Daniel’s success is built with several programs of various shapes and sizes. Without one, the others would come crumbling down. Your continued generosity and prayers are essential to the children and families of Appalachia. Without you, our donors, the support for Daniel and thousands of children just like him, would not be available.