Breathitt County-based charity completes ‘comfort bags’ for first-ever Jayden Initiative

JACKSON, Ky. (FOX 56) — An initiative inspired by a Jackson boy’s legacy of positivity has completed gift bags to comfort teens and children as they enter foster care.

The comfort bags were made possible by donations from the community for the Jayden Initiative, organized by Aspire Appalachia – a Breathitt County-based charity group. Members announced the wishlist with gifts to buy for the initiative on Aug. 16, and every item on it had been purchased in less than a week.

The arrival of dozens of packages on Aspire Appalachia’s doorstep was just the beginning, and initiative members filled 100 bags for teens and kids to remind them that they are cared for and never alone.

“We are overwhelmed, humbled, and so incredibly grateful,” Jayden Initiative organizers wrote on Facebook on Saturday. “Thank you for showing up, for giving, for sharing, and for believing in this mission. This is the kind of love and community Jayden deserved to be surrounded by, and it’s how his story will continue to change lives.”

Community members and first responders gathered to honor Spicer’s memory at his funeral on Friday. Aspire Appalachia charity organizers said what started as a dream born from that memory is now ready to go out into the world.