The Store, a referral-based free grocery store founded by Brad Paisley and his spouse Kimberly Williams Paisley, will make sure there's something under the tree for underprivileged kids and teens around Nashville through a free toy store.
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Per a press release, a donation drive launched on Wednesday (Nov. 1) for the program, which will serve the 400 children of the families benefitting from free grocery service The Store. Individuals can purchase gifts off the Toy Store's Amazon wish list or donate fiscally. Corporations are encouraged to either donate funds or hold their own toy drives. The donation drive lasts through Dec. 1, with families of kids age 17 and under picking out a gift on Dec. 8 and 9.
"We've always wanted to see a Toy Store pop-up around the holidays that has the same framework and model as our grocery store, so that our customers can also shop for gifts for their families with dignity and choice," the Paisley's shared in a joint statement. "We are really excited to see it come together this year, and credit our wonderful staff, amazing volunteers and energetic new CEO Collen Mayer for making it happen."
"The Toy Store is going to be one of the most memorable and heart-warming events in our community this holiday season," Mayer added. "Just as The Store allows families in poverty to shop for food with dignity 12 months out of the year, the Toy Store will enable these same mothers and fathers to find the perfect gifts for their son or daughter. For anyone who is looking to support a family during the holiday season, the Toy Store is a perfect option to spread some holiday cheer and kindness and to lift up families in need in a dignified way. To get involved, you can sign up to volunteer at the Toy Store, purchase gifts from our Amazon registry and share information about this event with your friends, families and workplaces."
The Store opened in March 2020 through a partnership between the Paisley family and Belmont University. Per a press release, it's "a year-round free grocery store allowing people to shop with dignity for their basic needs. Individuals and families will be referred by nonprofit and government agencies for a term of one year. There is no charge to those referred or to the people and agencies that send them. They may shop for food to supplement their income during times of crisis and as they work toward self-sufficiency."
