CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – For the fifth year, the Masonic Order came together at Byrns Darden Elementary School in Clarksville to make Christmas brighter for those less fortunate.
Principal Andy Lyons and his assistants were more than grateful to receive the toys. Mr. Lyons said the donation this year is larger than last year.
The toy drive started in 2011 with seven ladies who are Clowns, female counterpart to the Shriners.
Chairperson of this project, Martha Smith, solicited support from any masonic member in Clarksville and Nashville, which increased the resources to purchase toys for as many children as possible.
The sleigh of the “Annie Moore Toy Drive”, as it is named, is now in full flight. This toy drive has now grown from over 200 toys in 2011 to over 570 toys in 2015.
Toys were donated by the following masonic 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 Sunbeams. Generous donations also came from New Jerusalem 5 Fold Ministries of Clarksville and the Regional Network Enterprise Center of Fort Campbell, KY.
The Byrns Darden staff immediately began to set up the toy store for families in need to shop. This special project benefits Clarksville’s military and civilian community.