The parents of the families we serve in the most impoverished regions of Appalachia struggle to provide the basic necessities for their children: food, adequate housing and clothing. Like anyone else, these parents also want to give their children something special for Christmas, but the extra expenses of the season are just too much. Children, too young to understand bills and layoffs, only know that their Christmas won’t be anything like what they see on television.

With the Christmas Basket program, you have the opportunity to have a direct impact on a family in need by providing toys, clothing, household items and—most important—the knowledge that someone cares for them and is praying for them this Christmas. We provide you with first names, ages and gift ideas for each member of the family you sponsor, and you then prayerfully shop, knowing that because of your generosity, your sponsored children will not have to go without gifts this Christmas.

Sponsor Steps

1. When you agree to sponsor, we will send detailed instructions, family information and a list of suggestions.

2. Gifts for each person should cost between $15 and $25. We set no gift limit per family. Parents ask that you spend more on children than adults.

3. Wrap and label gifts with the name of each recipient.

4. Mail gift boxes to CAP by mid-November or earlier to ensure we receive them in time for the distribution.

Christmas Basket Timeline

August
Families apply for program based on income.

September-October
Sponsors are matched with families and begin shopping.

October-November
Sponsors ship boxes to CAP, which are then organized by CAP volunteers and staff for distribution.

December
CAP invites Christmas Basket participants to a Christmas celebration featuring music, prayer and a message from a local minister. The service is followed by the distribution, where families receive their gifts and a voucher for a local grocery store.

How to participate
Complete the form below and we will contact you about becoming a sponsor. If you have any questions, contact Brenda Watts at bwatts@chrisapp.org. Thank you for your support!