KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A grieving mother is working to continue her daughter's legacy, around 20 years after she was killed in her Knoxville apartment. Johnia Hope Berry was studying for a master's degree at the University of Tennessee the night she was killed.
That night, she was wrapping toys that she had bought for children in need. She was killed by an intruder hours later while she slept. Her mother, Joan Berry, is working to make sure that her love of helping kids continues to this day.
"She was actually sitting on the floor, in front of the TV, wrapping her packages. And, that's where they were," said Joan. "The detectives made sure that we got those toys and got them delivered in time for Christmas."
The 20th annual Johnia Berry Toy Drive kicked off Nov. 1 and runs until Dec. 3. Each year, the toy drive collects donations to give to families who may not be able to afford much for the holidays. After Hurricane Helene brought deadly flooding to parts of East Tennessee, this year's toy drive comes with a renewed need.
"I think she's smiling down from heaven, seeing all the donations and the toys," said Joan. "Everything over there was washed away."
Through the toy drive, Joan is working with schools and other organizations to help children affected by the storm. For the first time, the toy drive is also collecting donations in Knoxville to meet the high demand.
"The need is so much that you don't think about toys," said Joan.
She said the toy drive is expected to serve at least 5,000 children across East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and western North Carolina.
Anyone who wants to donate can drop off toys at participating Food City locations. They can also donate money online.
A list of participating Food City locations is available below.
- 2120 South Roan Street - Johnson City, TN
- 1205 North Eastman Road - Kingsport, TN
- 905 Snapps Ferry Road - Greeneville, TN
- 509 Asheville Highway - Greeneville, TN
- 1430 Volunteer Parkway - Bristol, TN
- 110 North Industrial Drive - Erwin, TN
- 920 North State of Franklin Road - Johnson City, TN
- 920 Broad Street - Elizabethton, TN
- 500 Forest Drive - Jonesborough, TN
- 4307 North Roan Street - Johnson City, TN
- 300 Clinchfield Street - Kingsport, TN
- 2755 East Andrew Johnson Highway - Greeneville, TN
- 1911 Moreland Drive - Kingsport, TN
- 1921 Highway 394 - Blountville, TN
- 125 Judge Gresham Road - Gray, TN
- 6681 Bristol Highway - Piney Flats, TN
- 100 Bonham Road - Bristol, VA
- 1320 Euclid Avenue - Bristol, VA
- 151 Cook Street - Abingdon, VA
- 1135 Claypool Hill Mall Road - Cedar Bluff, VA
- 910 North Main Street - Marion, VA
- 145 West Lee Highway - Chilhowie, VA
- 736 North Beaver Dam Avenue - Damascus, VA
- 159 Pittston Road - Lebanon, VA