Christmas Hope Chest created by board of education

The holidays can be a time of magic and joy and precious memories, but they can also be a time of stress and worry and sadness for some families.

The Christmas Hope Chest is a community-wide endeavor supported by businesses and faith-based organizations that is striving to bring Christmas joy to the youth of White County.

The idea behind the project is to let the 300 families that the BOE’s Family Resource Center services have a chance to shop and choose gifts for their children.

“We are community and faith-based individuals who want to help families make Christmas special for their children.  In these uncertain times, many are experiencing hardships that make Christmas seem like a burden,” Marcie Kinnaird, one of the organizers of the event, said.

Kinnaird said that allowing parents to choose the gifts they take home will be a way to let them have a sense of ownership over their Christmas and a feeling of joy in choosing the items their children will enjoy.

“We want to help take some of the burden away and bring back the joy of Christmas,” she said.

Donation boxes will be placed at the White County Board of Education as well as at many businesses, churches, and organizations throughout the White County. Kinnaird said they are estimating they will need over 2,000 toys donated to ensure each family will be able to shop for Christmas presents. Monetary donations are also being accepted and will be used to purchase gift cards for children in the teens.

Donations are needed by Dec. 10, but Kinnaird said they will continue to accept any and all items throughout the event.

To register to be a shopper, an adult family member needs to visit the Family Resource Center at the back of the old Findlay Elementary School, on Hale Street, at one of the following times: 8-10 a.m., Nov. 14; 5-7 pm., Nov. 15; or 3-5 p.m., Nov. 16.

To register, a legal guardian must provide the following:

• Proof of residence and picture ID
• Birth certificate or Social Security Card for each child (newborn-18 years)
• Proof of assistance (TennCare, food stamps, government assistance letter, etc.) Each child may only receive toys from ONE family member or guardian. Please do not register if you are receiving Christmas help from another organization.

Anyone who would like to volunteer to help with the store or to collect donations is encouraged to contact Nancy Oliver - nancy@oliverdesigngroup.com