At Mission of Hope, Christmas is more than a season—it is a calling. Each year, as winter settles into the mountains of Appalachia, we work alongside trusted local ministries to make sure families are not forgotten and that the love of Christ is felt in practical, tangible ways.

Working Through Local Mountain Ministries

We believe the most effective way to serve is by partnering with the frontline foot soldiers of Appalachian communities—local pastors, ministry leaders, and volunteers who live and serve there every day. These ministries know their neighbors by name. They know which families are struggling, which grandparents are raising grandchildren, and which homes are facing the hardest seasons.

Rather than trying to reach every family on our own, we equip these ministries with the supplies they need to serve their communities well. This partnership allows help to reach those who need it most—quickly, respectfully, and with care.

From Our Warehouse to Their Hands

Throughout the Christmas season, our warehouse comes alive with volunteers packing toys, clothing, food, hygiene items, and other essentials. These items are then loaded onto trucks and delivered to mountain ministries across Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia.

Recently, Emmette delivered a truckload of toys and clothing to Binns Counts Ministry in McClure, Virginia. Those items will be used in their annual Christmas giveaway, serving more than 500 people in their community. Leaders like Mary and JR, along with their dedicated volunteers, ensure these gifts reach families who truly need them.

Many Partners, One Mission

Binns Counts Ministry is just one example. Many others across Appalachia faithfully serve their communities year-round and step up in powerful ways during Christmas. Some host giveaways, some deliver directly to homes, and others support schools and churches—all united by a shared goal: showing the love of Jesus.

Each partnership looks a little different, but the heart is the same. Together, we make sure children wake up to gifts, families have food on their tables, and hope is restored during a season that can otherwise feel overwhelming.

Hope Delivered Through Relationship

What makes this work so meaningful is relationship. These local ministries are not just distribution points—they are shepherds, encouragers, and trusted friends within their communities. By supporting them, Mission of Hope helps extend care far beyond Christmas Day.

We are deeply grateful for every mountain ministry, volunteer, donor, and driver who makes this work possible. Because of you, hope is delivered one community at a time—and the light of Christ shines brightly throughout Appalachia.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” — 1 Peter 4:10