Union County Children’s Charity, Inc. (UCCC), a 501c3 nonprofit organization, is on a mission to ensure that every child in Union County receives a present on Christmas morning. With the COVID-19 pandemic afoot, many noble efforts and events have been derailed, but the UCCC is committed to doing whatever is necessary to see that this program survives. Gina Buckner, the current president of the UCCC, says, “It may look different this year, but extensive plans are underway now to safely distribute toys to families in need again this winter.”
In years past, large groups from local churches and other community volunteers gathered at Union County High School to pack and distribute Christmas gifts. This year, UCCC will set up a drive-through pickup station around Maynardville’s Courthouse Square. The charity’s biggest fundraising concern is that since fewer people are going into businesses to shop, they won’t see the angel trees and remember to either take a name or make a donation to this worthy cause. But I trust you, dear reader, to join me in making a tax-deductible donation to ensure that those families most challenged by these unprecedented times are not forgotten by our community. Your donation adds buying power, as this non-profit organization does not have to pay sales tax on toys purchased to be distributed.
Last year UCCC applied for and received a $5,000 grant from Laura Kress’s Angel Tree program through the East Tennessee Foundation, which has been applied for again this year. Unfortunately, UCCC will not know if they will be awarded the grant again until mid-November. Buckner says the volunteers usually do their shopping right after Thanksgiving; however, because of changes in the program and shopping opportunities due to the pandemic, they have had to move the toy distribution up to the first Saturday in December (the 5th), making the shopping window tight for volunteers.
Buckner relayed that Union County citizens have always generously supported this cause, and she is certain that they will rally behind our underprivileged kids again this year. The time has been moved to noonto 4 p.m. (all are praying for good weather) and modeled the Courthouse Square pickup after Food City go-cart pick-ups, whereby families will have to bring their acceptance letters and open the trunk and a volunteer will place the toy(s) inside.
UCCC’s Under the Tree event began in the 1980s as a labor of love led by Opha Stansberry and the senior center. Several years later, as senior center volunteers aged out, members of the Business and Professional Association took it on as one of their projects. It then became a 501c3 and now stands as an independent organization with Gina Buckner serving as the point person. Several years ago, the name had to be changed because of the U.S. Marine Corps toy drive of the same name. The Union County local program has no affiliation with the U.S. Marines, so as of 2013 the annual toy drive went from being referred to as “Toys for Tots” to its present name of “Under the Tree.” Children ages newborn to 12 are eligible to receive gifts under this program with a submitted application, which were just sent out on Friday, September 11. They are available at any local HeadStart, elementary school, bank, or the Union County Trustee office.
The Union County Trustee office is located in the courthouse at 901 Main Street, Suite 102, Maynardville, TN 37807. Hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To donate to Under the Tree, mail a check made payable to Union County Children’s Charity, Inc., P.O. Box 1033, Maynardville, TN 37807.