The Christian Appalachian Project’s work could not be possible without the incredible men, women, organizations, and yes, children, who impact the lives of those we serve. Every supporter is invaluable to CAP, no matter the size of the gift or the length of time volunteered, and their efforts cannot be thanked enough. But sometimes, our supporters go above and beyond the call of duty. Their contributions lift the hearts and inspire the minds of Appalachia. These are our heroes.

Mountain Baby Blankets

Rachel Cox knows that making a difference in the lives of Appalachians is just like making a quilt. By joining together several small pieces, something very large and quite beautiful can be created. And she has done just that, both literally and figuratively.

Rachel, a quilting extraordinaire, happened to watch ABC’s 20/20 special: ‘A Hidden America: Children of the Mountains’ which struck a chord with her Appalachian heritage. She grew up in southern Ohio listening to bluegrass music with her father and had relatives who lived deep in Appalachia. For hours after watching the show, she sat in tears. “Part of my childhood was seeing babies in the supermarket, wearing only diapers, with little, tiny, dirty feet.”

Rachel then reached out to her online community of fellow quilters and blanket makers through her blog: www.rachelcox.blogspot.com/, and unveiled her project: Mountain Baby Blankets. She told of her idea to send her blankets to CAP and encouraged others to do the same.

By pulling together the skills and creativity of the online community, hundreds of blankets could be created and donated, bringing warmth and comfort to the newborns of an impoverished region.

The response has been incredible to say the least. Hundreds of quilters have responded to Rachel’s call to action, and over fifty blankets have been delivered to CAP already, with more on the way.

“Our success is only possible because of the talent God has given to us, and because of the outpouring of support from women all over the world. There is a blanket on it’s way from Israel! And England! It’s definitely not just my project… it’s certainly my baby, but Mountain Baby Blankets belongs to every woman who has made and is making a blanket for those children there. I want those kids to know that someone loves them and values them. I want them to feel warmth from the blanket not only on their bodies, but in their souls as well.”

Rachel envisions the need for Mountain Baby Blankets to continue as winter wanes. “Even during the summer there will be need for receiving blankets and handmade infant clothing.”

It was also important for Rachel, a single mother of three, to set an example for her young children by giving back. “No matter how busy we are or our financial circumstance, we all can be humbled – and we all need to be good stewards.”

When asked about her affinity for the impoverished region Rachel responded, “Once Appalachia gets into your soul, it’s there forever.”

On behalf of the men, women and children we serve, CAP would like to thank Rachel for her incredible contribution and declare her a CAP Hero!

Click here for more information about Mountain Baby Blankets: 
www.rachelcox.blogspot.com/