Today a call came in with a very generous donation. They are sending out  stuffed tigers, elephants, bears and others that are equipped with a special pocket designed to hold a portable audio player device that is solar-rechargeable with pre-recorded Bible stories and teachings that overcome literacy barriers in third world countries. This will be wonderful for the children as well as the elderly we visit several times a year. The solar charging allows those without electricity to benefit without relying on batteries they could not afford. What a wonderful blessing for us, as we struggle each year to provide non battery powered items for the residents.

Please visit http://www.wildlifestorytellers.com/ if you would like more information on the Story Tellers. And  a BIG Thank You to Susan over at WildLife StoryTellers!

We have had a wonderful response to the fundraiser news Paul Murray Gallery sent out this week. Currently Penny is in NC visiting her family but is in contact with everyone via phone, so please feel free to call her! Her daughter is currently making over the website, and we added a paypal donation button to help facilitate online donations.  If you would like to mail in donations, you can do so at

Kentucky Mountain Kids

840 Marshall Ave

Bellwood, IL 60104

Any monetary donations can be written to Kentucky Mountain Kids.

Please bare with us as we get the new site up and running to make it more informative and functional for both you the guest as well as Penny and Donald the users.

Also a HUGE thank you to Katie & Joe over at Paul Murray for all the help in getting this fundraiser set in motion. We value their friendship and are privileged to be working with them as well as Paul.

On December 3, 2011 Kentucky Mountian Kids with the support of Oak Brook Community Church, Simmons Middle School of Aurora Illinois and the Riverside-Brookfield Patrons Council provided a Christmas party for 236 children at the Heritage Center along Rattlesnake Ridge in McCreay County of Eastern Kentucky.  The party included gifts for children between the ages of bith to 17 years, a lightly used clothing give a away at the Heritage Center thrift shop, pictures with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, Christmas dinner provided by Oak Brook Community Church, a coloring book give away, a make up give away for the moms with hats, scarves and gloves provided as well.  A buffet line, face painting and cookie decorating was arranged and provided by Barbara and Hilton Duncan who lovingly built the Hertiage Center in support of the local community.

Penny and I would like to express our gratitude to Barbara and Hilton Duncan without whom none of this could have occured.  To Oak Brook Community Church who provided presents for thirty children as well as 130 food gift baskets for each family along Rattlesnake Ridge.  We espescially want to acknowledge Pam and Joe Wagner who so successfully lead Oak Brook in this endeavour.  To Simmons Middle School whose staff’s generosity sent nearly 100 toys for the children of the Ridge and provided seven members who traveled 1000 miles round trip to serve the children and families of the ridge and hollers.  To the Riverside-Brookfield Patron’s Council who filled Christmas stockings, had after school wrapping sessions and bought many presents for the children.  To Bill Adams and Lisa Cimaroli who were Mr. and Mrs. Claus.   So many people gave so much so that this Christmas party could be the success that it was.