Food and toy drive underway in La Vergne to help during holidays

Nov 11, 2013 at 05:30 am by bryan


While many people find joy and merriment during the holiday season, it can be the most difficult time of year for people who struggle financially. Through the help of the city, however, dozens of children, their families, and low-income senior citizens are provided meals, clothing, toys, and basic toiletries.

In 2012, 64 families with 164 children were aided, along with 20 elderly residents. This year the city, the Police Department, Percy Priest Lodge #85 Fraternal Order of Police, the Fire Department, and Box 100 Rehab are again collecting food and toys for distribution to local residents during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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“Our local churches and schools have done a phenomenal job of helping the hungry throughout the year,” said Mayor Senna Mosley. “Now it’s our turn to lend a hand because the need always seems to jump during Christmas and Thanksgiving. We are ecstatic that Feed the Children, which recently located its warehouse to the city, will be offering significant assistance to help feed our local families.”

The city is now accepting food and toy donations, along with gift cards and toiletries (shampoo, toilet paper, etc.). Donations may be made to any police officer, or taken to City Hall or the police station. Food baskets, toys from Santa, and some clothes for the winter months will be distributed by police, fire, and other city personnel after families are approved in conjunction with other organizations.

“We are checking with other groups throughout the holiday season to ensure people are not ‘double-dipping,’” said Police Chief Mike Walker. “We are somewhat limited in how many people can be helped so we are working together to reach the most people.”

All donations are tax exempt through F.O.P. Lodge 85. For more information or to donate, contact Officer Sheree Robertson at 287-8618 or Toni Craddock at 287-8679.

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