How one call brought hope to Appalachian families

The devastation of the Feb. 15 flood left many families in our Appalachian community struggling to meet even their most basic needs. Among the hardest hit were the clients of the Appalachian Pregnancy Care Center in Pikeville, who suddenly found themselves without access to essential supplies like diapers and wipes for their little ones. As floodwaters rose and roads became impassable, these families faced an overwhelming crisis with nowhere to turn.

The situation was dire. Our shelves, usually stocked with supplies to support new mothers and families, were empty. We had run out of diapers and wipes at the very moment when they were needed the most. As we heard from desperate parents who could not find these necessities in local stores, we knew we had to act fast.

In a moment of prayer, one name came to mind — Linda Otterback from Louisville. Linda has been a dedicated missionary to eastern Kentucky, a faithful friend of mine and to the Appalachian Pregnancy Care Center for more than 25 years.

Trusting that God had put her on my heart for a reason, I made one phone call. What happened next was nothing short of a miracle.

Linda immediately sprang into action, making a few calls of her own. Within hours, we received an outpouring of support. Donations of diapers and wipes came flooding in from generous individuals and organizations all over Kentucky — answering the call to help. Before we knew it, we had an abundance of supplies — enough to not only meet the immediate needs of our clients, but also to restock our center for the challenging days ahead.

The impact of this generosity cannot be overstated. Mothers who had been struggling to care for their babies in the wake of the flood were able to breathe a sigh of relief. Families who had lost so much were reminded that they were not alone. In the midst of devastation, hope was restored through the kindness of loving churches, organizations and individuals that stepped up when it mattered most.

This experience has been a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, faith and friendship can move mountains. We are deeply grateful to Linda Otterback and to every person who contributed to this incredible act of love and support. Because of you, families in Appalachia can face tomorrow with renewed strength and hope.

At the Appalachian Pregnancy Care Center, we are committed to continuing our mission of serving families in need. If you would like to be a part of this ongoing effort, we welcome your support. Whether through donations, prayers or spreading the word, every act of kindness makes a difference.

Together, we can ensure that no family has to go without the care and resources they need.

Thank you to all who answered the call. Your generosity is a beacon of hope in our community.

Kay Hammond is executive director of the Appalachian Pregnancy Care Center.

Info via Kentucky Today