Appalachian Kentucky has and increasing high poverty rate. In fact, Kentucky has the highest poverty rate in the entire Appalachian region—and one that is double the average rate in the U.S. What makes this area beautiful, also adds to it’s hardships. Rough roads, rough weather, and remote distances contribute to lack of employment opportunities.
So, you can imagine that I am over-flowing with joy this holiday season that I’m able to help spread holiday cheer to Kentucky Applachian families in need by participating in the 2011 Random Acts of Zhu!
Random Acts of Zhu is the largest community service program sponsored by Cepia LLC, the makers of ZhuZhu Pets®, Xia-Xia™, and DaGeDar™. As a participant in the Random Acts of Zhu this year, I was able to select two charities to deliver a bundle of ZhuZhu Pet toys to. Each of them are located in high-risk counties with the highest unemployment rates in Kentucky. The reaction from the charities, naturally, is one of great excitement… but I was also surprised to find it was one of desperation.
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| Boxes of Zhus have arrived! |
Turns out that donations have been slim this year and they’ve been struggling to find ways to help families during the holidays. With our current economic ills, this is a problem many charities are facing. Random Acts of Zhu, you couldn’t have come to Kentucky Appalachia at a better time!!
In addition to the ZhuZhu toys, I’ve been able to collect books, food, and additional toys to deliver to these agencies. I’ll be reporting back soon with pictures and such from our deliveries this weekend.
If you have any extra toys, food, clothing, or even some time to volunteer… if you haven’t already, I hope you will consider conducting your own random act of kindness this year and share the experience with us!
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