Dec 21

Dec 21 Toy giveaway brings joy to parents and children

{Local parents select gifts for children at the CIA storage unit. Photo Credit: Antionette Kerr/Davidson Local}

Hundreds of people formed a line around Compassion Inspiring Action’s storage building stocked with toys for children of all ages Wednesday.

Pre-registered families formed lines for the toy shopping experience. {Photo Credit: Antionette Kerr/Davidson Local}

This is the fourth annual toy drive for the organization formed by Jimmy Davis and Robert Miller. Their work together began as a political rivalry on Facebook; now the pair volunteer together to bring compassion to families in need in Davidson County. The organization’s private Facebook page is a place where those in need and those with things to offer often come together. The mission statement on that page says “Reaching out and helping others who are less fortunate than you. We are looking for people that walk what they talk. We need people who are willing to share love in action.”

“People wouldn’t believe that when we first started this (toy drive) we had 23 people,” said Davis as he held the door and welcomed three families at time to select up to four items for children. Last year, the group gave toys to more than 200 children in Davidson County. Davis referenced Matthew 25:44, a verse that encourages people to care even for the least, as it is the same as doing for God, as Miller gathered identification from registered families.

Davis expressed appreciation for donations from the community, including a large toy drive held at Holly Hill Memorial Cemetary. Organizers say this year’s goal includes gifts for more than 300 children.

“This evening was absolutely amazing,” said Davis. “The number of families that came to receive the gifts that the amazing people of Davidson County donated was unreal.” The shopping opportunity will continue on Friday for those who registered through the CIA FB page.

Any remaining toys will be saved for future events.

Christina Lamar was looking for gifts to surprise her 13-year-old daughter. She came shopping with two family members in search of items for older youth. Miller noted that collecting donations for older children is a challenge for the giveaway. The group solicited gift cards and took 24 teens and preteens shopping before Thursday’s event.

“It’s hard shopping for teens when you don’t have money,” Lemar said. “Especially when you are disabled like me.”

Olivia Welborn, nine, and Isabella Welborn, 14, joined their parents Jon and Amber in volunteering at the giveaway.

“We wanted to help people in this way,” Olivia said while helping stack donated dolls for shoppers. The family also donated Nerf guns this year. “You know, something to irritate parents” quipped Jon, who currently serves as a Davidson/Davie County judge.

Pictured left to right Olivia Welborn, Jimmy Davis, Isabella Welborn and Jon Welborn. {Photo Credit: Antionette Kerr/Davidson Local}

Despite long lines and cold weather, parents were aglow.

“We like it because they let us shop. That is very kind of them,” said Lisa Watson. She said selecting the items gave her a sense of pride. “It’s been a hard year… I am in the CIA group because I know they really care.”