You Can Help 'We Care' Bring Christmas to Appalachian Kids

We Care, the Strongsville charity that has delivered Christmas to kids in the Appalachian region of West Virginia for the last 22 years, is gearing up for another big season.

The group is accepting food, clothing, coats, shoes, toys and cash at 20930 Drake Rd., in space donated by Bob Nottrodt. 

Drop-off will be by appointment and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Volunteers, usually from the Strongsville Fire Department fire department, will drive a truck to West Virginia loaded with shoes, coats, food and gifts for the children in several schools.

The community donates all the items. The Strongsville Fire Department, Grace Church in Middleburg Heights and several Strongsville schools run coat and shoe drives.

Any group or individual interested in donating can contact Terry at 440-826-0390 or Ken at 440-243-3229.

"I get so much joy in knowing the kids down there are enjoying the holidays like we are," said Terry Evans, who runs We Care. "On Christmas, I'll know that tonight, they'll have something to eat."

The area is so depressed, many kids eat only the food provided for them in the schools, and don't own a pair of shoes. 

An excerpt from a letter from Evans and the We Care Committee:

"Since the government has caused the closing of some mines in the state, the need for our kids here in America has grown. Many only have food while at school. We Care has helped with 'love bags' on Fridays so that have something to eat for the weekend. This is a real treat for them. This aches my heart hoping I can do just a little more. I want to give so then can celebrate Chirstmas as we do. I know many readers would like to do the same."