Can you tell us about organizing the Christmas toy drive and how it began?
Maw-Maws Christmas Cheer was started to help underprivileged children in Rutherford County NC. This is the 3rd year they have been provide for the under privileged youth. Due to the hurricane the need was very much increased this year.
Can you tell us about organizing the Christmas toy drive and how it began?
The goal for this toy drive was to do a couple of things: one, support the children and families affected by Hurricane Helene; two, take such a devastating event and show unconditional love for our neighbors in the western part of the state; and three, ensure the Christmas spirit was alive and well for these children who had already been through so much devastation.
Why is this cause meaningful to you, and what motivates you to lead these efforts?
One of my good friends is from Swannanoa, NC, so he and I were brainstorming on how we could show our support during the Christmas season. Children have a special place in my heart, they keep me grounded. Probably because I’m just a big kid myself! I know how my 2 daughters get so excited Christmas morning and I wanted to ensure as many children as possible that had been affected by Helene could, if nothing else, have a merry Christmas and share that same joy and excitement Christmas morning.
How were the toys distributed, or how will they be distributed?
Maw-Maws had families fill out forms so the appropriate aged toys could be given to every kid within a household. They also had families tell them what kind of things they wanted and with that data constructed an Amazon Wishlist.
Were there any challenges you encountered in organizing the toy drive, and how did you overcome them?
Big box stores were a huge hurdle that we were unable to overcome. We wanted to host a toy drive in the parking lot of a big box store but even after following the appropriate channels, we were stilled denied access. The biggest challenge was wanting this toy drive to be as big as it could, reaching out to local businesses for help, and not being discouraged by being told no.
Do you have any long-term plans to expand this initiative or other similar efforts to support people in Western NC beyond the holiday season?
We will continue to support Western NC as long as the need is there. The key is to show or give support at the appropriate time. Western NC was inundated with so much support it was almost to the point of being overwhelmed just after Helene hit. With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching shortly after, there has been all types of people wanting to show and give support to Western NC.
In my opinion, the key is to be there when the “glitz” and “glam” have worn off and when the need has stopped being publicized. When everyone other than those affected have moved on, that the time to show up and give support.
Are there further ways to get involved this season? And after?
Absolutely, you can always reach out to me, Baptist on Mission, the Red Cross, or Samaritan’s Purse to see what the need is and how best you can support. The worst thing someone can do is get in your vehicle and head west with out a plan. Reach out to a group, find the need, let them know you are wanting help, and find out where you can serve.
