Stepping up to meet virus-era toy need: St. John Neumann, His Security-Tech
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Lucy Wood, volunteer programs manager at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, sorts toys donated through recent efforts of St. John Neumann school, His Security & Technology and others. - Photo submitted
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- Photo submitted
Due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is in desperate need of new toys for its patients —and Farragut is more than stepping up to the challenge.
According to a press release, hospital patients are not allowed to visit the common play areas, and brand new toys are needed to bring into the patients’ rooms.
St. John Neumann Catholic School is the latest entity to support the cause, and are calling it “Christmas in July.” The event will kick off Monday, July 6, and continue to Sunday, July 19, with plans to delivery the toys Monday, July 20.
“We have had a lot of positive feedback already,” said Mary Marlowe, director of admission for SJNCS, who is leading the drive with Patrick Wade, the school’s director of development.
“I think people want something to feel good about and to be able to help the community right now,” she added.
Marlowe said when they decided to host the drive, they reached out to ETCH to find out what items still might be most needed, and they recommended the following:
DVDs (rated G through PG-13), coloring books, crayons, Barbie dolls, action figures, LEGOS (for any ages) and card games (UNO, Skip-Bo, Phase-10).
Bins will be in front of the school from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and also will be located in the school’s and church’s Narthex during the drive.
“We are putting the bins outside for those who might not feel comfortable with coming inside right now,” Marlowe said.
SJNCS is not the only group helping ETCH with this great need this summer.
Farragut’s His Security & Technology held a toy drive during few days in late June, with hundreds of toys donated. They were delivered Monday, June 22.
Additional volunteer help came from Terri Jo Fox and her husband, Eric Whitener, of The Knox Fox Real Estate Group, along with Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce, Shop Farragut, The Rotary Club of Farragut and Home Builders Association of Greater Knoxville.
“The outpouring of love through toy donations was amazing,” said Cheryl Allmon, director of volunteer services and programs for ETCH. “I don’t have an official count on the number of items, but I can tell you there are boxes all over the office. The toys are being sorted and taken to patient floors as quickly as possible.
“As the pandemic goes on the need to give toys directly to patients will go on,” she added. “We appreciate the community’s efforts and generosity so much during this time.”
