For the regions of Appalachia that are out of our immediate reach, we are still able to have a great impact. The Open Road Apostolate is able to ship, in a cost-effective manner, critical items to food banks, Catholic parishes, homeless shelters, and the like. These items include non-perishable canned goods, feminine hygiene products, and school supplies for children. We cast a wide net when serving the homeless population of Appalachia. 

In mid January, we made a trip to Allegany county in Maryland. There, we traversed through the snowy weather to deliver 40 emergency bags to the Union Rescue Mission of Western Maryland. Here, many who are homeless gather to get daily meals, and emergency supplies to survive the cold winter weather. Our emergency bags have resources that last up to a year, including thermal blankets, reusable bottles, and fresh clothing.

I am delighted to have joined a 90-day program based within our Catholic faith. The Exodus 90 program is designed to be "Lent on steroids." From January 20th until Easter Sunday, this brotherhood will hold each other in account so that we avoid modern comforts like television, sports, sweets, snacks, and even warm showers. By making a sacrifice to the Lord in this way, we are inviting him into our hearts, so that we may be filled with Godliness.

On January 25, we trekked up Route 81 through Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland to delivery emergency weather supplies to Franklin County and Fulton County, Pennsylvania. All in all, we delivered around 60 emergency bags. Again, these bags have resources that last up to a year, and it is our hope that these supplies will have a lasting impact to those who need it the most. We feel blessed for the opportunity to serve!

They say you can't put a price on life. But you can put a prayer on it. If you look at the operations we have listed on our website, you will see Project 53. This program refers to the 53 beads of a Rosary dedicated to praying a "Hail Mary," and the program itself entails physically going to abortion clinics in the Appalachian region of the United States and praying rosaries. This month we prayed for the unborn in Hagerstown, Maryland.