OPERATION SHARING
The Operation Sharing program partners with over 1,300 nonprofit organizations, community-based agencies, churches, and schools across all 13 Appalachian states, as well as Arkansas and Missouri, to collect and deliver donated goods throughout Appalachia. Since its inception in 1985, Operation Sharing has distributed more than $2 billion worth of donated materials and has served 1.5 million people annually.
Operation Sharing is often the first to respond to natural disasters with needed essential items.
Tasha Valentine, with Operation Sharing in Corbin, hands toys to a child at Trooper Island summer camp.
Operation Sharing staff inventory essentials.
A new box truck helped make it easier to pick up and deliver for Operation Sharing.
An employee moves inventory in the Operation Sharing program.
The start of Operation Sharing began with 27 tractor trailer loads of books.
Charlie Deaton was the first director of CAP's Operation Sharing.
Operation Sharing hosted a distribution during COVID in partnership with the USDA to get fresh produce and dairy items to communities.
Operation Sharing delivered needed essentials to families impacted by tornadoes in Western Kentucky.
Operation Sharing opened its second hub to extend their impact in Appalachian communities. This hub in Clay County saw an exponential increase in partners signing up to receive items from Operation Sharing.
Families sometimes line up hours before a distribution starts.
A recipient partner picks up at Operation Sharing. Partners pick up every 20 minutes, 4 days a week.
Wayne Riley, a former CAP board member, works with inmate volunteers who are providing community service to distribute washers, dryers, and furniture to families impacted by floods in 2022.
Aaron Thoms, manager of CAP's Operation Sharing in Paintsville, helps deliver mattresses to families following floods in 2022.
A volunteer at New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas sorts items received in a delivery from Operation Sharing, which serves all 13 Appalachian states plus the Ozark states of Arkansas and Missouri.
Keely Easter, with Hurricane Hype Center in Arkansas, works with Ben Ridner, manager of CAP's Operation Sharing in Corbin, to get needed items to families struggling with the challenges of poverty.
A child is all smiles as she shows one of the toys she received through a joint venture Operation Sharing has with Good360 and Toys for Tots.
AmeriCorps volunteers and alumni help at a Operation Sharing's community distribution in Bell County, Kentucky.
David Fairchild, a truck driver with Operation Sharing, volunteers at a distribution in Wolfe County with Hazel Green Food Pantry.
Operation Sharing staff in Tyner, Kentucky, prepares for distribution in the early days of the program.
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