Even though holiday plans are changing this year due to the pandemic, The Salvation Army is continuing to collect toys for local children in need.
For the past nine years, a popular Holiday Light Parade in downtown Nashville has brought people out to enjoy the floats and donate to the cause. Typically, it brings in at least 1,000 toys.
This year, The Salvation Army canceled the parade and opted for a tree-lighting ceremony and block party. But after Gov. Eric Holcomb’s announcement of new COVID restrictions for gatherings on Nov. 11, they canceled that, too.
The toy drive itself, however, is still on.
From now through Sunday, Dec. 6, people can donate toys for kids ages 0 to 18 at The Salvation Army on South Jefferson Street and at Fifth Third Bank at East Main and Commercial Street in Nashville.
“If there’s ever been a year we really needed it, it’s this year,” said Ted Hayes, who started the parade in 2011. He said he knows of parents who were laid off from their jobs and haven’t been called back, making it more difficult for them to provide a happy Christmas morning.
In addition to toys, donations of new clothes and anything else children may need are also accepted, said Maj. Nancy Mead of The Salvation Army.
Gifts geared toward teens are especially needed.
“We appreciate our community and look forward to serving them during Christmas,” Mead said.
“Even though it’s a year of change, we want to be there to support however we can.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Tell us some good news!” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Share some good news, positive thoughts or thank-yous from your life so they can brighten other people’s days, too. To share a Bright Spot, email [email protected].
[sc:pullout-text-end]
