By Alycia Rhymer

Contributing writer

 

The Crater of Hope gave special recognition to Bealls, Mingo Holler Outfitters and Smithfield — the biggest sponsors of their 2024 Christmas toy drive — during their regular monthly meeting on Monday. ​​

This year’s toy drive was the biggest one yet with donations from the community providing gifts to approximately 79 children with mothers serving time in the Bell County Jail. It was the fourth straight year the Crater of Hope has been able to put on the toy drive and the ROARH Center provided 25 volunteers to help with gift wrapping.

Mingo Holler Outfitters has been a toy drive sponsor all four years. Co-owner Summer Redmond-Byrd was presented a special certificate of recognition by Crater of Hope Executive Director Jeannie Redmond, Chairman Pam Sulfridge and board members Rebecca Akers and Merlie Lane.

Mingo Holler Outfitters leads off-road tours for ATV and Jeep enthusiasts all around the Bell County, Ky., and Tacket Creek, Tenn., areas. They also offer coal mining and scenic tours that range from four to 14 hours. Find out more about them by calling 606-670-2104 or visiting  www.mingoholleroutfitters.com.

Representatives from Bealls and Smithfield were unable to attend Monday’s meeting.

Crater Of Hope will be doing several other events to help connect and provide for our local community, including a Recovery Walk on May 17th, 5k run/walk in September and a golf tournament in October. Mingo Holler will be hosting a toy ride on December 13th where people can donate gifts in exchange for the fee of the tour.

On March 31 at 6 p.m. the Crater of Hope will celebrate their 10th anniversary at the Middlesboro Public Library where their regular monthly meetings take place. The evening will include the sharing of recovery/success stories from members of the community who have changed their lives for the better.

“One thing I want people to know about Crater of Hope is our unwavering commitment to creating change in the lives of those we serve. We focus on providing not just immediate relief from substance use, but also sustainable opportunities for growth and empowerment, helping individuals break the cycle and build a brighter future,” Sulfridge said.

“We help connect people to the resources they need,” Redmond added.

During Monday’s meeting the group heard from a recovering alcoholic and addict who is now attending Southeast Community College and working towards an associate’s degree.

They also discussed adding even more events to the current schedule, including one to thank sponsors possibly coming in 2026. Ideas are for that celebration to have a dance-like vibe with food and entertainment. Also, the mural done in 2019 will be updated in either May or August. Paint is being donated for the project and local children can participate by pledging to stay drug free.

There now has Safe Haven boxes located at the Middlesboro Fire Department and ARH Hospital.

ARH will be hosting Take Back the Night on April 4th for sexual abuse survivors at the Middlesboro Community Center on 30th Street.