From the Executive Director – Investing in 25 Years of Impact
As we celebrate 25 years of service, we are reminded that our story has always been written by people like you. When you give to The Craddock Center, you are doing far more than making a donation — every gift, every act of generosity is an investment in lives, in hope, and in the future of our community and a mission you believe in.
Your gift becomes the fuel that turns vision into action. It buys books, hires staff, keeps the lights on, supports programs, and allows The Craddock Center to respond when needs arise. Unlike a financial investment, the return isn’t measured in profit; it’s changed lives, igniting imaginations, stronger families and communities, and improved education outcomes in southern Appalachia, and the countless moments of care and connection made possible through this mission.
You also invest in the foundation that makes meaningful work possible. Strong staff, thoughtful planning, safe facilities, and clear communication all multiply impact. Because of you, we are not simply operating; we are growing stronger, remaining relevant, and more responsive with each passing year.
Perhaps most importantly, your generosity is an investment of trust. I am deeply grateful for the confidence you place in us, and we remain committed to stewarding every gift with care, transparency, and faithfulness to our mission as we step into the next 25 years.
Thank you for being partners in this journey. We could not do it without you. Look at what your investment has built — and imagine what it will make possible in the years ahead.
A Taste of Milk & Honey
In each issue of this newsletter, we usually include a segment from Dr. Craddock’s book, ‘A Taste of Milk & Honey’ to help you gain insight into our founder, Dr. Fred Craddock. This issue will be a little different. Barbara Brown Taylor wrote the Forward for his book ‘The Collected Sermons of Fred B. Craddock.’ This issue will share some of her insights so that we can better know Dr. Fred Craddock.
Barbara Brown Taylor has spoken and written about Fred B. Craddock many times. She was both influenced by him and later became one of the leading interpreters of his preaching style.
She called him “a preacher like no other”. In an introduction to The Collected Sermons of Fred B. Craddock, Taylor described his distinctive preaching method, “He assumes from the start that we are capable of attending to the text…dealing with open-ended stories, and drawing our own conclusions. He does not tell us what he is going to tell us. He sits down before we are ready. He lets us chew our own food.”
In the Forward, Taylor recalled the first time she heard him preach at Yale Divinity School in 1978, “He simply spoke of the gospel so compellingly that I wanted to know more… and how I could learn to use language that way too.” Dr. Craddock’s preaching helped awaken her own desire to preach.
Taylor marveled at his ability to notice meaning in ordinary moments, “How does he use such simple language to convey such luminous truths? How does he see the sorts of things we all see…and see more than we can see?” She believed his sermons worked because they started with everyday experiences and opened them toward the gospel.
Barbara Brown Taylor often explained that Dr. Craddock respected the intelligence and spiritual capacity of the congregation. Instead of forcing conclusions, he created space for listeners to participate in the sermon’s meaning, like “bending two poles toward each other…leaving an opening for listeners to enter.”
One of the most beloved stories associated with Dr. Fred B. Craddock—and one that Barbara Brown Taylor and many other preachers have referenced—comes from his sermon about what it means to give your life to Christ.
The Story of the Man Who Gave Everything
Dr. Craddock told about a wealthy man who came to his pastor and said he wanted to give his entire life to Christ. The pastor was thrilled and said the church could certainly use the man’s help.
So, the man began giving things away: First he gave a large gift of money. Then he donated some land. Then he gave his house to the church. Eventually the man returned to the pastor and said: “Now I have given everything I own.” The pastor replied gently, “No, you haven’t. You have given a lot of things. But you haven’t given yourself yet.”
Dr. Craddock would pause after telling the story and say something like, “Most of us think giving our lives to Christ means some dramatic moment—climbing on an altar and laying everything down. But in reality, it is more like taking a thousand little coins and dropping them one by one into the offering plate every day of your life.”
Then he would conclude: “You listen to a neighbor’s troubles instead of saying, ‘Get lost.’
You forgive someone who hurt you. You choose honesty when it would be easier to lie. Little by little you give your life away.”
Dr. Craddock’s “little coins” illustration isn’t just about giving—it’s about consistent, everyday choices that reflect love, care, and attention. The Craddock Center works with children, families, and communities, focusing on small, consistent interventions—like early childhood education, mentoring, or family support—that cumulatively transform lives. Just like Dr. Craddock’s preaching, the Center shows that ordinary, faithful actions build extraordinary outcomes over time.
The Craddock Center is a living embodiment of Fred Craddock’s principles: faithful small acts, attentive listening, honoring real-life stories, and trusting ordinary people to create extraordinary change. Just as Dr. Craddock transformed hearts through storytelling and grace, the Center transforms communities through education, support, and love.
AND THE WINNER IS!!!
Lucas Watson is the winner of The Craddock Center’s Children’s Book Writing Contest. This contest was conducted as a part of our 25th Anniversary Celebration.
Lucas is an honors and AP student at Gilmer High School, where he took the Audio Video and Technology class to sharpen his skills and passion for writing and film making. Thanks to the class, he was introduced to a screenwriting camp at the Georgia Film Academy, where he won a contest to have his original script adapted and produced into a short film. Lucas plans to pursue a degree in film in his upcoming college years. Even outside of school, he spends many hours on personal-creative projects. Much of his free time is either spent with family and friends or playing with his dog, Chucky. Whether it’s one day from now or one year from now, Lucas will still be testing and exploring his world for new opportunities.
The inspiration for his book, ‘Clarence the Crab,’ comes from his fond memories of childhood television shows and the energetic enthusiasm of many characters. He used both dry and oil pastels to illustrate his wonderful book.
The registrants for the contest were asked to write a children’s book for the 3-4 age group. The submissions were judged on the following criteria: creativity & originality; adherence to the themes of family, friendship, or learning; quality of writing, including grammar & storytelling; and the quality of illustrations. Lucas’ book excelled in all of these areas!
Lucas did a reading of his book during our Songs & Stories concert on February 7th. He also received his $1,000 award at this time.
Lives Touched, Stories Shared
We wanted to add a “human voice” to the Milk & Honey Newsletter by sharing real stories, in their own words, from our volunteers and donors to show the tangible impact of the work of The Craddock Center.
Rev. Bill Crowl, Fmr. Board President – Many years ago, Patty and I helped drive a supply of books and stocking caps to one of the schools served by The Craddock Center. Upon our arrival, the teachers told us the children were so excited that The Craddock Center was coming again. The children knew a free book and stocking cap awaited them on the tables in the hall of the school. Most importantly, each child would be making their own choices! It brought tears to our eyes watching each child carefully consider those important decisions.
In the midst of all this unbounded excitement and joy, the children did not forget siblings or friends that were absent that day. Many quietly approached those of us at the table and asked, in a very soft voice, if they could choose a book and cap for those missing that day. Of course! And a quiet thank you was the response of every one of those asking the question.
I will never forget, as we were leaving, seeing the children lined up ready to go back to their classrooms. Some were excitedly sharing with each other the books they had chosen. Some were just quietly and carefully reading each page. Their faces were lit up with pure wonder. And…almost every one of the children was wearing their new stocking cap.
Yes, The Craddock Center is all about the children.
We want to hear from You! As a valued member of our community, your support is a testament to the work we do together. We would love to hear from you about what inspires you to support the work of The Craddock Center. Your testimonial would not only help us understand the reasons behind your commitment but also inspire others to join us in making a difference.
If you’re willing, we kindly ask you to share a few words about why you choose to support The Craddock Center. What motivated you to start supporting The Craddock Center? What impact do you feel your support has made?
Your story can be as brief or as detailed as you wish. We may share your testimonial in our communications, such as on our website, in newsletters, or on social media, to help show others the meaningful work we are doing together. If you prefer to remain anonymous, please let us know, and
we will respect your privacy. Please contact Kirk Cameron, Executive Director at kirk-craddock@tds.net with your questions or testimonial. Thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we are making a lasting difference.
We Serve by Sharing – The Legacy Program of The Craddock Center
First, thank you for your support of the work of The Craddock Center. Because of you, we ARE making a difference in the communities of southern Appalachia. The Craddock Center wants to continue to make a difference in the decades to come and beyond.
This month we are launching the Legacy Program of The Craddock Center – We Serve by Sharing. “We Serve by Sharing” is from The Craddock Center Mission Statement. We serve the children and share our time, skills, talents, and money to sustain the work and plan for and build for the future of The Craddock Center.
The Craddock Center has been serving the children and families in our communities for 25 years. We don’t know what our communities will look like 25 years from now, but we have no doubt that what we do for the children will continue to be needed.
Please consider a planned gift to support and sustain the work of The Craddock Center. You can call The Craddock Center at 706-632-1772 to request a brochure. Thank you again for your support of The Craddock Center and thank you for your consideration on how you can support its future.
Songs & Stories 2026
Songs & Stories returned to a packed house at the Craddock Center on February 7, 2026!
We were especially excited and honored that John McCutcheon, a world-traveled musician, songwriter, and folksinger, returned as the performer for this event. He thrilled our guests with beautiful folk music and storytelling.
As always, admission was free, and our guests responded with very generous donations. The money raised will go towards the purchase of new books for the little ones we serve.
Songs & Stories was started by Dr. Fred Craddock over twenty years ago. He wanted something in the winter that people could enjoy. An event that brought people together to have a fun winter afternoon highlighting the old Appalachian traditions of storytelling and folk music.
Songs & Stories, featuring John McCutcheon, returns next year on Saturday, February 6, 2027, at 3:00 pm.
CELEBRATING READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY & DR. SEUSS’ BIRTHDAY
On March 4thth, The Craddock Center celebrated Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss’ Birthday. On this day volunteers from The Craddock Center delivered 1,178 brand new Dr. Seuss books to the pre-K and Head Start children we serve.
Read Across America Day is a day to celebrate the joys of reading. It also brings awareness to the importance of reading in education for our children. The founders of this day decided to have it on Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Dr. Seuss is one of the greatest authors of children’s books. Most kids have grown up reading his many entertaining books. The Craddock Center is making sure our kids can share in the joy of his books like many of us have over the years.
Thanks to Elder Taylor and Elder Augustine for packing the books…. And thanks to Beth Roberts, Cathy Cavagnaro, Joe Cantwell, and Carolyn Lakes for delivering the books.
Special thanks to the Clipper Petroleum Foundation and Operation Round-Up for their generosity in supporting this program!
Thank Yous from the Teachers!!
“Thank you for the books. The students loved them.”
Brittany Hoyt, Director – Peachtree Elementary Pre-K
“Thank you so much for the Dr. Seuss books! What a wonderful gift! We all appreciate your generosity and support!”
Katrina Kingsley, Director – Gilmer County Pre-K
“Thank you to The Craddock Center for generously donating these wonderful Dr. Seuss books to our classroom! Our students were so excited to explore the colorful stories and celebrate reading together.”
Stacey Trammell, Director – Lumpkin County Head Start
“Thank you so much for the books! The students were very excited.”
Hillary Chastain, Teacher – Martins Creek Elementary Pre-K
“Thank you so much for the books, they loved them! We appreciate all you do for our Pre-K program at Union County Primary School.”
Holly Cook, Director – Union County Primary School Pre-K
“We sincerely appreciate your generous donation of books for our Pre-K students. Your support helps spark curiosity, imagination, and a love of reading in our youngest learners. Thank you for making a meaningful difference in our classroom.”
Susan Jones, Teacher, East Fannin Elementary Pre-K