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Mary and Douglas Underwood stand by the car full of toy donations they purchased and delivered from Charlotte. (Photo by Storme Smith)

A pair of groups of generous helpers from Georgia and Charlotte, coordinated by BBBS, made separate deliveries of toys to ensure that hundreds of children were affected by Helene. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Toney and her team unloaded two substantial deliveries of toys provided by two groups of kind-hearted donors. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Toney and her team unloaded two substantial deliveries of toys provided by two groups of kind-hearted donors. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Toney and her team unloaded two substantial deliveries of toys provided by two groups of kind-hearted donors. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Polk County coordinate toy donations

TRYON—In a heartwarming display of community support, two groups have come together to ensure that hundreds of children affected by Tropical Storm Helene will experience a joyful Christmas this year.

Friday at the Tryon International facility, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Polk County Program Coordinator Jessica Toney and her team unloaded two substantial deliveries of toys provided by two groups of kind-hearted donors. BBBS will then coordinate the delivery of the toys with the help of other volunteers. 

The first delivery consisted of two carloads filled with name-brand toys and numerous shoe boxes brimming with stocking stuffers, all generously delivered and donated by Douglas Underwood, his wife Mary, and her father, Clint Craft. The Underwoods, from Cherryville, previously engaged in food distribution for firefighters during the Lake Lure fires, felt compelled to lend a helping hand in the area once again.

“We were looking for a project that would help others in a needed way,” Douglas Underwood explained. “We decided one of the best ways to help families struggling was during Christmas. Last year, we helped 274 families, and this year, we turned our attention to the areas affected by Helene.”

Shortly after, an 18-wheeler filled to the brim with toys delivered donations. This immense contribution stemmed from a dedicated group in Georgia led by Jessica Bloodworth, Angela Samford, and Kim Little. They had originally connected with Outreach, who put them in touch with BBBS.

“We had hoped to purchase toys for about a hundred kids,” Kim stated. “But when Jessica Bloodworth and her family got involved, it just exploded, and we were able to fill an entire 18-wheeler.”

Bloodworth, whose family owns a farm, generously donated the use of the 18-wheeler. Tracy “Peg” Martinez expertly drove the massive vehicle to TIEC, accompanied by Kim, Angela, Lee Davis, Joseph Samford, and Kim’s brother Dennis, who coordinated additional deliveries of supplies and presents for 29 families.

TIEC staff skillfully unloaded the pallets, each bagged and labeled. Program coordinators and volunteers from BBBS, representing various affected counties, will personally pick up and deliver the toys to families in need.

“We genuinely appreciate TIEC for providing us with a space to unload and for the tremendous donations we’ve received,” said Toney. “We can’t thank everyone who donated enough for their generosity. The group from Georgia drove six hours with a ton of toys, and the other from Charlotte brought hundreds of toys, which will brighten the Christmases of over 275 kids in the BBBS WNC program and even more across the area.”

Thanks to the efforts of these dedicated individuals and groups, many children will have the chance to experience the magic of Christmas, bringing hope and joy during a difficult time.

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