NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — After a record setting year in 2022, the Last Minute Toy Store is gearing up to help thousands of Davidson County families in need again this year.
Starting Dec. 1, families who are experiencing financial hardships can register for the Last Minute Toy Store to ensure their kids have a great holiday season. Just hours after registration opened, hundreds of people had already registered. Last year the program served nearly 7,000 children.
The Davidson County Sheriff's Office has been hosting LMTS for 30 years. The Sheriff’s Support Center on Harding Place is transformed into a toy store, where people can come and shop for free gifts for their children ages zero to 18. The community donates thousands of toys to the DCSO to give to families in need. The program provides items such as bikes, dolls, books, gift cards, basketballs.
"It's one of a few places where you donate a gift, and you can come down here and watch someone pick it out for their kid," said Jake Waddell, a volunteer with the Last Minute Toy Store. "I don’t know how it gets any better than that."
This program is for families who live in Davidson County and are not already receiving assistance from other charitable organizations during the holidays. The families served may be dealing with unemployment, illness, or other reasons that make it difficult to provide both Christmas gifts and pay the bills. Proof of being a family in need will be required.
The big shopping event is Dec. 15-17. There are several ways you can donate, or you can sign up to volunteer to help give out the toys to families.
This is a beautiful story of chosen family, proving a father figure doesn't have to have biology in common to make a difference in a child's life. The story of De'Andre and Alex will remind you that our relationships help determine the course of our lives. And that being supportive of someone - through a meal, a shared experience or even swim lessons can make all the difference.
- Rebecca Schleicher
