The Central Kentucky Toy Project: Sharing the Greatest Gift of Love

Each Christmas season, churches across the Central Kentucky Network of Baptists come together for one of the most heartwarming traditions of the year—the Central Kentucky Toy Project. This compassion ministry has become a cherished way for local congregations to demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways to families across our region.

The Toy Project offers families in need the opportunity to select Christmas gifts for their children through a network of “toy store” locations hosted by CKNB churches. These stores are stocked with brand-new toys, clothes, school supplies, bicycles, and much more—all made possible through the generous donations of Baptists across Central Kentucky. Parents are invited to shop for gifts at just 10% of the original cost, making it possible for every child to have something special waiting under the tree this Christmas.

But this ministry is about far more than gifts—it’s about connection, dignity, and sharing hope. Each participating church creates a warm, welcoming environment where parents are greeted with cookies, conversation, and care from friendly Toy Project volunteers. Known affectionately as “elves,” these volunteers assist parents as they shop, help with gift wrapping (or provide take-home wrapping supplies), and, when possible, share the story of the greatest gift ever given—Jesus Christ.

Every child who participates also receives a fully stuffed Christmas stocking, a small but meaningful reminder of God’s love and the generosity of His people.

This Year's Toy Project Stores & Schedule

This year’s Toy Project will take place at nine locations across Central Kentucky from December 1st through December 10th, including:

• Dec. 1 | 5:30pm – Irishtown Baptist Ministry Center

• Dec. 2 | 5:00pm – Central Baptist Church of Paris

• Dec. 4 | 6:00pm – Gano Baptist Church of Georgetown

• Dec. 6 | 11:00am  Penn Memorial Baptist Church

• Dec. 6 | TBA - Shiloh Baptist Church

• Dec. 6 | TBA - Versailles Baptist Church

• Dec. 8 | 5:30pm – North View Baptist Church

• Dec. 9 | 6:00pm – Edgewood Baptist Church

• Dec. 13 | 10am – Grace Baptist Church of Lexington

The Central Kentucky Toy Project is a true example of churches working together to meet both physical and spiritual needs in their communities. The effort would not be possible without the prayers, donations, and service of people who believe in sharing Christ’s love in practical ways.

If you would like to give toward this year’s Toy Project, please contact Pam Polkey, CKNB Compassion Ministry Director, or reach out to the offices of one of the participating churches. Volunteers are always welcome to help on the event days—whether through sorting, serving, or simply sharing a smile.

As the banner of this year’s event reminds us, “The greatest gift is love.” Through the Toy Project, that love is being shared—one toy, one stocking, and one conversation at a time.

Compassion in Action Across Central Kentucky

The Toy Project is just one example of how the Central Kentucky Network of Baptists is living out its mission to serve Christ by serving others. Through compassion ministries like local food drives, disaster relief efforts, and ongoing community partnerships, CKNB churches are working together to bring help and hope to those who need it most. Whether it’s through a warm meal, a toy under the tree, or a simple act of kindness, every effort points to the same truth: Jesus is the reason for our compassion.

For more information about the Toy Project and other compassion ministry opportunities, visit cknb.org.