Deep in the "hollers" of West Virginia, in one of the poorest counties in the country, a county ranked deepest in despair among all the counties in our country, there are families living in poverty beyond our imagination.

And living among them are a pastor and his wife, Wayne and Kathy Osbourne, trying to help. Their job is overwhelming. Yet they are not overwhelmed. They live by their faith and do what they can to make a difference in the lives of those they serve.

Living among us here in the Lehigh Valley is another couple, Harold and Kelly Swisher. The Swishers learned about these needs and vowed to do something about it. Their efforts started “small” but now they fill a huge tractor trailer with food, furniture, appliances, clothing, household goods, mattresses, shoes, sneakers – whatever they can cram in.

They deliver the materials to the Osbournes, who, in turn, distribute it in a judicial manner among those in need.

The Swishers started by mailing packages to a church in an impoverished area of southern West Virginia. As they realized how great the need was, they began packing a snowmobile trailer with food and necessities to take down. A friend who went with them one time and saw the degree of poverty bought them a tractor trailer and now he drives it to West Virginia.

In December, well over 100 children in Bishop, West Virginia, were jumping for joy when they found out that each and every one of them would be receiving…a toy? The newest designer jeans? Candy? No… a simple quilt! A simple quilt created from free recycled materials in an atmosphere of love and cooperation by volunteers from across the Lehigh Valley.

In their thank-you note, the Osbournes wrote, "You are a true blessing to us this time of year with your beautiful quilts! The children and families of the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia hardly have anything and your quilts were 'right on time' with God’s timing – the quilts are helping many stay nice and warm. On behalf of the mountain children, we say thank you and send our love.“

You, too, can be a part of this vital ministry. Simply provide volunteers, some food, and space at your congregation, and collect materials for us to use. Pray about it! Then give me (Marjorie Paul) a call at 610-252-7964.