MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WTVF) — A Rutherford County family is keeping their son's memory alive by helping other children through a toy drive, nearly one year after he was swept away in a storm drain during severe weather.
Asher Sullivan, 10, died days after being caught in a storm drain during last year's severe storms that also claimed the life of a Maury County woman.
The Sullivan family has since donated hundreds of stuffed animals to children through "Asher's Animals," a toy drive created in his memory.
These donations have reached young patients at the Ronald McDonald House, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt and have been given to first responders to comfort children at accident scenes.
Asher's mother, Kaycee, recently expanded the initiative by delivering toys to an animal shelter to be included in pet adoption baskets for families.
"This project has been healing me in ways I didn't know I needed," Kaycee said.
Those wishing to contribute can donate new small or medium-sized toys at the Rutherford County Schools' central office on Southpark Drive or connect with Asher's Animals through their Facebook page.
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I'm not sure there is a story that's brought a bigger smile to our faces than this one celebrating Ms. Marie's own story is amazing - a true Rosie the Riveter! What was also amazing to see was how an entire community turned out to celebrate her. You've got to check this out!
-Carrie Sharp
