By Byrns Darden Elementary School
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Once again on Tuesday, December 9th, the Masonic order along with their co-workers came together at Byrns Darden Elementary School in Clarksville to make Christmas brighter for those less fortunate.
This toy drive started in 2011 with 7 ladies who are official Clowns and also the female counterpart to the Shriners. Because this group of ladies was so small, the Chairperson of this project, Martha Smith, suggested to solicited support from any Masonic member in Clarksville and Nashville to make this event a joint toy drive in order to get toys for as many children as possible.
This toy drive has grown from a little over 200 toys in 2011 to over 460 toys in 2014. Toys were donated by members of the following groups from Clarksville and Nashville: Hella Court, Masons, Order of the Eastern Star, Golden Circle, Heroines of Jericho, Ladies of the Circle of Perfection, Guild, and the Priorate. Generous donations also came from the Regional Network Enterprise Center of Fort Campbell, KY.
Members of these groups were present for the presentation of the toys.
Andy Lyons, the Principal of the school, shows his sincere appreciation for the donation each year. The Masonic order is very proud of this project and look forward to doing the same next year.