news article
Upper New York helps bring Christmas miracles to Red Bird Mission
December 10, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Every Christmas season, Red Bird Mission in Kentucky becomes a center of generosity and compassion, uniting people from across the country to bring holiday cheer to families in need. Volunteers and church groups, including those from Upper New York, work tirelessly to provide gifts, food, and a message of hope that embodies the spirit of the season. Their collective efforts create lasting moments of joy for children and their families, extending far beyond the holidays.
Red Bird Mission, located in the heart of Appalachia, has been serving the people of southeastern Kentucky for over 100 years. The organization provides critical support to communities in Bell, Clay, and Leslie counties, addressing both immediate and long-term needs. Programs include education, healthcare, community outreach, and economic development, all aimed at improving the quality of life for families in the region.
At the heart of this year’s effort is the arrival of two U-Haul trucks carrying 2,500 shoeboxes packed by church groups throughout Upper New York. Each box is filled with essentials like personal hygiene items, toys, school supplies, and bedding. These gifts represent months of planning, organizing, and fundraising by the UNY community.
Tracy Nolan, Red Bird Mission’s Community Outreach Director, praised the efforts of Dave Alexander and the UNY church groups. “I am only one piece to the bigger picture; it is all of us uniting together with a mission. Dave Alexander deserves the recognition for his devotion to helping Red Bird Mission, and without his collaboration with various church groups, this [shoebox donation] would not be possible.”
Alexander has worked closely with UNY church groups to coordinate these significant contributions, uniting communities in their shared mission. Volunteers from UNY not only packed the shoeboxes but also traveled to Kentucky to assist with unloading and organizing donations. Their efforts reflect the collective spirit of faith and service that drives this mission.
The shoeboxes, along with additional gifts such as twin beds, mattresses, and 100 pairs of shoes donated by Soles 4 Souls, are being distributed during December. Tracy highlighted the purpose behind the effort, saying, “These church groups are helping us in our mission to reach and impact more people. I want our community to remember the reason for the season. It is not about the gifts. It is about God and serving our community; giving them hope.”
Additonal holiday contributions included hams and turkeys, ensuring families have meals to enjoy together.
The work of Red Bird Mission continues well beyond the holiday season, addressing both immediate and ongoing needs in the community. Family Ministries Coordinator Candace Collins reflected on the mission’s year-round impact, saying, “We collect these donations all year round for our people, not only for Christmas. Whether it's giving them food or a blanket, if I can help just one person, that means everything to me.”
To support Red Bird Mission and its life-changing programs, visit Red Bird Mission Giving Page.