Can you send love over 200 miles away? Can you keep the legacy alive of the Louisville Ursulines who ministered at Able families and Christian Help for twenty years? Can you put a smile on a child’s face on Christmas morning, whom you will never, see? The answer, is yes, you can.

 

In 1995 Ursuline Sisters of Louisville Mary Brendan Conlon and Sister Janet had the idea for a gift drive after seeing the immense need of the Appalachian people, particularly in Kermit, West Virginia, where they lived and worked. Sacred Heart Schools carry on the tradition today for the gift drive, which is now named the Sister Brendan Appalachian Gift Drive.

 

Due to the generosity of Sacred Heart Schools and many other donors in collecting gifts, toys, and donations for food, over 180 families were able to select gifts for their children this past Saturday, December 16th. Sister Janet Peterworth, Sister Carol Curtis and Associate and USAE Communications Director Kathy Williams traveled to Kermit to volunteer. They toured the offices of ABLE families and Christian Help, meeting staff and volunteers, and were able to see those ministries in action as they visited the after-school program and Christian Help store and food pantry.

 

On the BIG DAY, Sr. Janet greeted families at a local gym and checked them in, while Sister Carol and Kathy served as helpers who assisted families in choosing their gifts. The line of families was long, but everyone was in good spirits, and all the parents left with gifts for their children.