October 2, 2026
Earlier this month, 16 Georgia Baptists traveled to Whitley City, Kentucky, to deliver nearly 700 backpacks for low-income children for the Christmas holiday—a venture that was supported by members from twenty-two local churches.
The three-day trip to Kentucky, spearheaded by Rev. Quillian Mercer, the Associational Mission Strategist for the Washington Baptist Association, provided warm clothing such as socks and knitted hats and gloves in addition to the backpacks—many of which were stuffed full of toys, balls, school supplies, candy, snacks and canned goods.
During the giveaway on Saturday, Dec.10, more than 500 children came to McCreary County Middle School to enjoy some hot chocolate, fresh-baked cookies, have their photos taken, and interact with the volunteers from Georgia. While most of those volunteering came from the middle Georgia area (Milledgeville, Sandersville, Eatonton, and Dry Branch), several people from the Atlanta area and Stearns, Ky., also served the children and their families during the Saturday event.
Once the cookies and hot chocolate were finished, families moved from the cafeteria to the gymnasium, where volunteers led in singing Christmas carols and telling the Christmas story. Then, each child aged 2 through 17 got to select their own backpack full of Christmas goodies and peruse through the clothing and accessories. More than 150 hand-knitted and crocheted items were provided by a knitting group from Lake Oconee Lutheran Church in Eatonton, as part of an annual mission project.
Although the backpacks themselves were provided by members of the 44 churches throughout the Washington Baptist Association, there were seven churches with members who traveled to Kentucky. From Sisters Baptist Church in Sandersville, Mark & Connie Riner and Ronnie Duncan attended the trip. Island Creek Baptist Church was represented by Scarlett Cooper and Sandra Dean. Northside Baptist Church in Milledgeville saw members Gloria Burnette and Janie Dunn traveling to Kentucky. From Lakeside Baptist Church in Milledgeville, Kathy Self, John & Joy Gilmore, Frank Richardson and Rachael and Q Mercer attended. First Baptist Church Milledgeville’s Peggy Pulliam traveled to Kentucky, as did Long Creek Baptist Church member Becki Cox. From Macon, Teri Ross from Calvary Baptist Church joined in.
Washington Baptist Association Mission Strategist Rev Quillian “Q” Mercer said, “This is one of my favorite mission trips. Connecting with families year after year, and ensuring they know the true reason for celebrating Christmas—Jesus’ birth—is an exciting experience.”
Crossroads Baptist Church, the host for the Christmas backpack distribution, serves the people of Whitley City through The Lord’s Cafe—a sit-down restaurant with free meals provided by donations for any who are hungry, through a food pantry, and through partnerships with the local school system. Crossroads Baptist Church is building “The Light Community,” a tiny-house village on property about 15 minutes from their Whitley City-based “Lord’s Cafe.” These tiny homes are servings as housing for homeless individuals in this area. Three tiny houses are still to be built on the property. In addition to the annual ministry of the backpacks and the ongoing ministry through The Light Community and The Lord’s Cafe, summer missions projects including day camps, vacation bible schools, and even a small salon are ways in which locals can assist.
For more information about the 2023 Backpacks for Whitley City ministry, or to learn more about Crossroads Baptist Church, The Lord’s Cafe, The Light Community, or the ministry of Grant & Gina Hasty in Whitley City, please contact Rev. Q Mercer, Washington Baptist Association Mission Strategist, at brotherq714@gmail.com.
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