ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Chris Dickerson is a driver with U.S. Foods, and a steward at the Teamsters Local 171, who started a toy drive with three of his co-workers. He has spent the past two months collecting items for those in need in the ravaged areas, and this is just the latest effort.
Dickerson started collecting toys, jackets, and anything to help people stay warm.
He and his coworkers have made three trips to take supplies to both North Carolina and Tennessee, and a story of a pregnant woman and her family from Tennessee inspired them
“The woman had gotten her two kids out of her house, and then a mudslide happened while she was in the house getting her pet, and they found her clinging to a tree hanging on for dear life. And the Friday before we went on our last trip, that baby was born, and she showed us pictures of the baby, and that’s when we decided the kids need something too,” said Dickerson.
Dickerson says the areas they are taking these items to are places that no one talks about when it comes to this storm, so he and his co-workers just want to help.
They will be loading up their trucks and taking everything to the Elks lodge in Tennessee, and Dickerson along with the lodge is working to surprise the Black Mountains Children’s Home in North Carolina with brand new gifts for those kids to open on the holiday.
If you’d like to donate, you can take any unopened toys or anything else to help fight the cold, on Saturday, November 30th at three locations. The Walmart in Danville the Spa Doctors in Salem, and Hobby Lobby in Christiansburg.
Dickerson says they’re still looking for more items for older kids: like jackets and fun items to open on Christmas. He said he is also thankful to so many businesses that have helped them through this journey.