APPALACHIA – (December 16, 2024) On Thursday, December 12, Christian Appalachian Project’s Operation Sharing, in partnership with Marine Toys for Tots Foundation distributed toys to all students at Lee County Elementary. Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, a former schoolteacher, was on hand to greet children and share holiday wishes with event volunteers.
 
This Christmas season, Operation Sharing is distributing toys in all 54 Appalachian counties in Eastern Kentucky, as well as distressed Appalachian counties in Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, and Ohio. Children impacted by Hurricane Helene in several North Carolina counties will also receive toys. The toys will go to children under the age of 12 in partnership with local school systems.
 
“This is what we call the Team Kentucky spirit. It is showing up when people need you,” Coleman said. “The children get toys to take home and hopefully it takes a burden off of their parents as well. This kind of outreach pays dividends down the road. To serve and make sure these kids have a Merry Christmas is what this is all about. I am grateful Christian Appalachian Project is here serving children in so many communities.”
 
Students at Lee County Elementary were treated to hot chocolate and cookies. They visited Santa Claus before picking up their bag of toys. Semi-trucks emblazoned with Operation Sharing’s message of “We Deliver Hope” will be delivering toys to schools that were closed due to inclement weather. All children will receive toys before Christmas day.
 
“We received approximately 2.8 million toys. We were committed to getting the toys out to as many children as possible,” said Ben Ridner, manager of CAP’s Operation Sharing program in Corbin. “This means the world to me. Some of these children may not get as much for Christmas or any Christmas at all. I’m glad that we can be a part of spreading joy to Appalachian families.”
 
Each child received toys with an estimated value of $150.