Cityview‘s Nathan Sparks, Devin Driscoll of D1 Training in Hardin Valley, and Congressman Tim Burchett will host the second annual Christmas for the Kids holiday event on December 9 featuring pictures with Santa, hot cocoa, s’mores, and holiday festivities. Admission to the event is a toy which will support local Marine Toys for Tots efforts.
“We are expecting this year to be particularly high in requests,” says Sgt. Travis Ganong, the local Toys for Tots Coordinator. “To date, we already have over 700 families registered.”
Each year, the local Toys for Tots efforts have supported an average of 1,391 families and 4,523 children, Ganong says. Just under 17,500 toys were collected on average over the last three years, assisting families in need of some extra help over the holidays. As with any organization, Toys for Tots does have some specific needs that raise to the top. “In the past, our biggest needs are in the 12 to 14 boys and grill age groups,” Ganong says, “as well as the 9 to 11 girls. I am expecting this trend to continue but on a larger scale this year.”
The Christmas for the Kids event will be held once again this year at The Davis Barn at 1515 Ashland Springs Way in Knoxville. Barn doors will be open from 5:30 pm to 7:30pm and all are welcome. If you’re unable to make it but still wish to support the event and Toys for Tots, you can drop off your unwrapped toy anytime at D1 Training.