The Union County Childrens Charities members first thought we simply could not have our annual toy drive this year due to COVID-19, but we knew it was important for the needy children. It was restructured in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The goal was to keep all safe.
The toy distribution was held outside on the courthouse square on December 5. It was a drive-through and served 365 children in Union County. We had about 25 volunteers who stepped up to help us navigate the uncharted waters of a toy drive-through during a pandemic. We cannot thank our volunteers enough for their willingness to see that Union County’s children didn’t miss Christmas this year.
Angel trees were set up at the following locations - Food City, Tolliver’s Market, Okie’s Pharmacy, Janet’s Hair and Nails, Commercial Bank, First Century Bank, First Bank, New South Credit Union, Pete’s Place, Rocky Top Market, Kelly’s Deli, Guided by Grace and Union County High School Beta Club. This is a big part of the toy campaign.
Angel trees are put up in area businesses and donors return toys to that business where our volunteers pick up the toys. We were unsure if businesses would want to participate this year with COVID-19, but they all were up for the challenge. We even added three new businesses this year, Kelly’s Deli, Rocky Top Market and Guided by Grace. They really stepped up and got their customers to take Angels off their trees.

Union County Children’s Charity also received the Laura J. Kress Angel Tree Fund -East Tennessee Foundation Grant (www.easttennessee foundation.org) in the amount of $5,000 again this year. The Laura J. Kress Angel Tree Fund was established at East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) in June 2019 in honor and in memory of Laura J. Kress, founder of the Angel Tree, who passed away in 2019. With this grant, Laura J. Kress’s life-long passion and dedication to fill Christmas wishes for needy children in Tennessee will continue to help many children in Union County.
Union County Children’s Charity is honored to have been awarded this grant again this year. This program mimics the Angel tree program which was established many years ago by Laura J. Kress and shares the compassion to help children during the Christmas season.
This program is made possible by all the individuals and businesses who either shopped for an angel or made a monetary donation. Union County Children’s Charity, Under the Tree, received over $16,000.00 in donations this year. THANK YOU!
A special thank you to Clayton Homes in Maynardville, Union County Shriners Club, Union County Coin Laundry, David Myers & Carol Pratt.
Our goal is to serve others in this small community in hopes that a Godly heart will bless each life touched with joy and happiness this Christmas season.