Circle of sharing

The Stormcells team enjoyed two long-awaited visits to one of our favorite charities--Head Start. 

The first stop - Pendleton County Head Start in Falmouth, Kentucky.   This program, one of the smallest with only twenty children, has begun its “in-home” program and will return to on-site classrooms by the end of the September.  During this visit, the Stormcells team took 20 new Kohl's Cares books with matching plush toys for each child to enjoy at school and with their families.  This gift has become a favorite with kids and faculty at all our supported Head Start facilities.  In addition to the individual books, we took 40 children’s books to add to their classroom library, a service which was made possible by the kindness and ongoing support from the Boone County Public Library and other community members.  Finally, to help families in need, we provided laundry detergent for each home.

For the second stop, we traveled approximately three hours south to McCreary County Head Start in Whitley City.  Located on the Tennessee line, McCreary County is part of Appalachia and possesses the rugged and remote beauty of the foothills.  The program serves forty (40) children—two classes for ages 3 to 5.   The day we visited was the first day of on-site classes, and the teachers and staff appeared delighted to have the children in the classroom, yet they were also somewhat overwhelmed with the concerns and limitations of Covid-19.  What was obvious and unchanged was their commitment to the children and their deep appreciation to anyone who cares enough to share gifts of happiness and encouragement with the children.  It is encouraging, in these difficult times, to see the personal, heart-felt commitment of those who care for some who are the least in our communities.

To provide a little something special, the Stormcells team visited five Kohl’s Department Stores and found discounts on the matching Kohl’s Cares books and plush animals in each location.  The tangible goal was to distribute these gifts to the preschool children of  McCreary County; but for us, this is an aspect of worship based upon our faith.  For the children -- it is a blessing and a unique and cherished gift to treasure.  These Stormcells activities are just a small part of the circle of sharing within our community.  Blessings abound for those who care and share for the very least of our communities-our small children.

We have contacted more county programs and hope to visit within the next few weeks.  If interested in this venture, please contact Dot Miller at dclmiller100@gmail.com or Amanda Hopper at ahopper@stormcells.org.