COCKE COUNTY, Tenn — Mission of Hope, a nonprofit serving families across rural Appalachia, brought Christmas joy and smiles to children at Northwest Elementary School in Newport Friday.
Each student got to shop for two toys and could also get a gift for younger siblings not yet in school. Students were also provided with some toiletries.
Tim Foshie, the Northwest Elementary School principal, said the celebration and excitement from both Dollywood volunteers and the Mission of Hope Christmas shopping event meant even more to families after Hurricane Helene.
"Once they pulled that off today, for two or three minutes, I know there were no worries," Foshie said. "All hearts and minds were clear. It meant a little something special this year."
David Heatherly, the Mission of Hope executive director, said donations through the nonprofit's Blue Barrel Drive provided around 11,000 toys. To meet the needs of 10,000 students across rural Appalachia, they had to use donations and funding for the remaining 9,000 students and guarantee children would get two gifts on Christmas.
"These kids may not get to wake up to a toy on Christmas morning," Heatherly said. "So we want to give them something tangible, but also give them hope."
To help Mission of Hope, you can donate and learn more on their website here.