In an effort to fight poverty in Harlan County, Shelter Rock Ministries, of Boone, N.C., distributed food, clothing, toiletries and toys to approximately 200 people on Saturday at the Harlan Center.

Steven Reese, founder of Shelter Rock Ministries, said the purpose of their ministry was to care for those who needed a little assistance to make ends meet. Reese said they distribute approximately 50 tons of items per month year round.

“We travel through the Appalachian mountains from Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee and western North Carolina,” said Reese. “We have about 5,000 children that we provide food and gifts to, as well as their families here in Appalachia. It’s non-stop for us. We love Harlan County. We’ve been coming here about six or seven years now, and it’s one of my favorite places to come to.”

Jack Owens, a member of Shelter Rock Ministries, said they loaded up two semi-trucks with distributions for the Harlan area. Owens said they have a praise and worship service and afterwards they provide fun and games for the children.

“We call it a day of blessings,” said Owens. “We have the cars line up and have a drive through to distribute the items needed by the families here today. We try to come every six weeks to the Harlan area.”

Nellie Farley, of Closplint, said she looks forward to Shelter Rock coming to Harlan. Farley said it’s hard to make ends meet on a fixed income, so these distributions are a big help to her and her family.

“I have two small children and an older child,” said Farley. “Me and my husband greatly appreciate the help we receive. I love the singing and day of fun and games for the kids.”

Reese said they were providing Christmas gifts for the children on this trip. He said their warehouse was in Boone, N.C. and they always have numerous contributors. He said Avon was a big donator this trip with lots of personal items for men and women.

“We, at Shelter Rock Ministries, receive great joy from the smiles we see on the faces of the children and the words of gratitude from the parents,” Reese said.