CLARKSVILLE, TN – The donors of the Annual Annie Moore Toy Drive began their toy donation journey at Byrns Darden Elementary School for the 13th year on Dec. 13, 2023. The new guidance counselor, Kimberly Warren, was unsure if the toy drive could proceed since city schools were closed due to the tornados. Parents in need were calling the school for assistance. Donations of 2,454 toys and cold weather clothing were given to the school.
Martha Smith, chairperson of the Toy Drive, said the generous contributors were Regional Network Enterprise Center (RNEC) and Logistics Readiness Center (LRC) of Fort Campbell, New Jerusalem Five-Fold Ministries, Ladies of WIN, Warfield Lodge, St. Mary’s OES and Sunbeams, Hasan Court and Temple, and the Clarksville VA Staff.
These same donors went on to donate toys, blankets, clothing, cleaning supplies, and food to various churches, food kitchens, and support centers for tornado victims throughout Clarksville. The Shriner Masonic family went a step further to serve food to the tornado victims. These men and women worked from Dec. 9 through Dec. 24 serving citizens and cleaning up damaged property. The Masonic family has plans for more projects to support the tornado victims starting Jan. 6.