Submitted
The “Christmas Backpack” project gathered 1,067 school backpacks filled with toys, food items, school supplies, books, and clothing to support children and families in the West Virginia mountains.
“The churches of Liberty Baptist Association, Habersham Baptist Association and Rabun County Baptist Association worked tirelessly this Christmas season to provide something special for children who will not have much this year,” says Rev. Bill Barker, Associational Missionary in Rabun County. “For many this will be the only Christmas these kids will have. Not only the Baptist churches in Northeast Georgia, but churches from all over the state … even some in Florida contributed.”
On Saturday, Dec. 11, volunteers, both young and old, loaded the truck bound for Logan and Boone Counties in West Virginia. “In addition to Christmas backpacks, we are sending dozens of boxes of food and many blankets to these areas. We pray that the families that we reach will have a wonderful Christmas and understand even more about the meaning of this season.”
The effort had many volunteers and contributors, and the project was led by Judy McCracken and Tammy Whitmire, members of Wolffork Baptist Church in Rabun Gap. Barker says, “It’s an extensive effort each year. Each backpack is loaded with about $50 worth of gifts, clothing, school supplies, and food. It is our way of sharing God’s love with others in need.”