APPALACHIA (June 1, 2021) – Children and their families are looking for some signs of normalcy as COVID-19 restrictions start to be lifted. After two pandemic-impacted years of school, this summer, Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) is pleased to join Toys for Tots and Good360 for a second consecutive year in the distribution of toys, books, games, and snacks to children in Eastern Kentucky this month. Distributions will take place on June 3 at Johnson Central High School, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; June 10 at Clay County Middle School, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and June 24 at Lawrence County High School, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

While Toys for Tots is the nation's flagship children’s Christmas charity, the organization doesn’t want to wait until the traditional holiday season to provide additional support. The ability of Toys for Tots and Good360 to assist families in need now, is made possible by generous partners. For this distribution, CAP has received 16,000 toys and games, plus 24,000 books.

“We have not only had the impact of COVID-19, but recent flooding has created additional challenges to families in Appalachia,” said Jeff Burchett, director of CAP’s Operation Sharing. “Through our partner agencies, we get to distribute these toys provided by Good360 and Marine Toys for Tots in communities dealing with poverty and COVID-19. Our additional donations through Good360 allows us to provide additional items for the children at each distribution. We just want to be able to bring a smile to children who have faced a lot of struggles the last 18 months.”

Toys for Tots also joined Good360’s Resilience Response Pledge, where companies and organizations commit to building stronger communities that can better withstand natural disasters.  With the difficulties brought about by the pandemic and both the frequency and intensity of natural disasters on the rise around the globe, there’s an urgent need for a more thoughtful approach to the way we respond to disasters and how we help impacted communities recover.

“With so many families struggling during the pandemic, Good360 is proud to continue the great work of our Toys for Tots partnership,” said Matt Connelly, CEO of Good360.  “We’ve seen firsthand how toys, books, and games bring joy to children and their families served by our nonprofit partners and expanding our efforts will significantly increase the impact of our program. The emotional and spiritual care of kids are often overlooked in the aftermath of a disaster, which is why we are working with Toys for Tots to help wherever we can,” Connelly added.  

“These items make a real difference for families,” Burchett noted. “Partners like this help CAP live out our mission of building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ’s love through service in Appalachia. When we all come together, we can make a lasting impact.”

For more information about how to help people in need in Appalachia, visit www.christianapp.org.