Crossville Church Helping Families With Toys

Central Baptist Church in Crossville is offering free toy store sign-ups for Cumberland County residents who need assistance this Christmas.

Central Baptist Church Communications Director Katie Horn said this will be the church’s 30th annual toy store event. Horn said the church has a toy store every year so families can experience the joy of Christmas.

“I think that parents want to be able to give their children those same experiences,” Horn said. “To have those same memories with their children and that be very upsetting whether the parent can’t provide that for the child or for the child who will maybe go back to school and hear about the other families who maybe did that.”

Horn said the church is able to provide toys through donations and also funding from members of the church. Horn said the toy store will help those in the community while also introducing them to Christianity.

“This is a very small way that we can share that same love that god has for all of us in a very tangible way,” Horn said. “By helping provide gifts for kids who maybe wouldn’t get to open gifts on Christmas morning.”

Horn said when the toy store first started in 1994 the church helped about 20 families. Horn said last year the church was able to provide toys for over 200 families in Cumberland County.

“Normally over the years we have seen an increase of course every year is different,” Horn said. “Our goal is to try to help as many families in our community as possible.”

Horn said there are a few requirements for those who sign up. The requirements are that the family has to be a resident of Cumberland County and parents/guardians must provide their photo I.D. and the children’s birth certificate or legal custody papers.

Horn said signups for the toy store are available every Tuesday. Horn said for those who struggle to sign up during the deadline period to call the church at (931) 484-8426 for further assistance.