On Tuesday, July 1, the McNabb Center’s Christmas in July Toy Drive kicked off to stock its Christmas closet full of toys. Now running in its seventh year, the event benefits the Dear Santa program and enables the community to donate to children and families who may be struggling this holiday season. Last year, more than 1,200 child clients of the McNabb Center and their siblings received gifts donated through Christmas in July toy drives and the Dear Santa program.

“Christmas in July is a great time to buy summer toys that aren’t available during the holiday season or to host a toy drive with friends or family in your neighborhood. This program impacts our clients with the greatest need and the fewest resources thanks to those in our community who give back. It’s always the season of giving in East Tennessee,” said Amy Fellhoelter, community relations coordinator for the McNabb Center. “The gifts we receive in July help us to fulfill the holiday wish lists during the Christmas season.”

The McNabb Center is partnering with SpeedPro in Chattanooga, and ORNL Federal Credit Union, Enrichment Federal Credit Union and Knoxville Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union in Knoxville. From July 1 until July 31, these locations will have toy donation boxes for individuals to contribute new, unwrapped toys and clothing for children ages 0-18. For a detailed location list, visit Christmas in July | Helen Ross McNabb Foundation