In McDowell County, West Virginia one-third of children living there go hungry at night.
A large percentage lack adequate outerwear to keep them warm during the cold West Virginia winters high in the Appalachian Mountains.
Earlier this year, we heard from our partner there, Big Creek People in Action, about what a difference Americans Helping Americans® is making there – thanks to supporters like you.
“We recently had a free giveaway and were able to offer coats, shoes, scarves and hats,” reported BCPIA co-Executive Director Marsha Timpson. “All of those items came to us from Americans Helping Americans®.
“I am sure many people would not think of this as a big thing – but it is a big thing in our community,” she continued. “This was a very harsh winter for people across our nation this year and we struggled through some rough weather conditions here. To know that we were able to offer a warm coat to someone in need was especially gratifying during a winter such as this one.”
Recipients included a grandmother raising SEVEN grandchildren on her own, a young frightened girl who was pregnant with her first child, to children who were so excited at receiving a new coat they could barely contain their glee – and no one was asking them to.
“I am not sure who chose the name for that organization, but it certainly was a winner!” Timpson added. “That is exactly who they are and what they do!”
A report like this is exactly why Americans Helping Americans® is launching “Coats4Americans.” In the month of December, our goal is to provide coats, gloves, hats and scarves to keep more than 2,000 Appalachian children warm this winter.
We’ll launch the campaign on “Giving Tuesday,” on December 1. On that one day, people around the country are asked to remember those most in need. And on that one day, we know our supporters will remember the many children who live today in some of the poorest counties in the country, such as McDowell.
#Coats4Americans. It’s about the numbers. 2,300 heavy winter coats + 2,600 gloves and scarves + 1,300 hats = more than that 2,000 warm children.
#Coats4Americans. It’s about the 2,000 kids.
We wanted you, our supporters, to be among the first to know of our Giving Tuesday Campaign “Coats4Americans.”
