The annual effort to provide toys, clothing, and food for the city’s less fortunate residents is underway in LaVergne.  

Last year, 180 children received toys and clothes through the program and 50 families and 25 elderly residents received food boxes.  

To meet the need this year, items ranging from toys (ages infant to 15), new clothing, and non-perishable foods are being accepted at the police station through Wednesday, Dec. 14.  Donations can also be dropped off at any of the city’s fire stations.

The program has had a very positive impact on children in the community, according to Lt. Cindy Murphy, who helped start the LaVergne Toy and Food Drive. 

“One little girl had been the recipient of toys since she was about 7 years old. When she turned 15, she got a paper route and saved all of her earnings to donate back to the program,” she said. “She’s in college now, but it is proof that this program really touches people; they appreciate what was done for them and then they pay it forward.”

When the program began 20 years ago, needy families received food boxes. Three years later, the program expanded to provide toys for Rutherford County children who were in the state’s foster care program.

Then 10 years ago the program coordinators began focusing on providing clothing, food, and toys wholly for families and the elderly living in LaVergne who need a helping hand during the holidays.

The La Vergne Toy and Food Drive is a joint effort managed by all emergency personnel in the city, including the police and fire departments, Rescue, Box 100, Police Athletic League, and the Fraternal Order of the Police. Together these groups will distribute the items from Dec. 16-17.

“It is a joy to bring Christmas cheer to our neighbors in need,” said Box 100 Coordinator Julia Hill. “I hope that people who have had a more fortunate year than others will pick up an extra toy or two, new clothes of any size for children, or food items to donate.”