Toys for Tots’ elves host fundraiser to assist Santa

Culberson – Like many good ideas, it started with a glass of wine and food.

Last year, Steve and Karen Thompson, owners of Nottely River Valley Vineyards, and Nathan and Lisa McPhee, owners of The Ark food truck, wanted to support Toys for Tots in Cherokee County. The Thompsons own a beautiful vineyard and thought it would make a successful venue for a fundraiser; they were right.

They worked closely with John and Susie Evans, Toys for Tots coordinators, along with fellow coordinator Barbara Hudson. The three have been running the charity for nearly 20 years until last year, when retired Cherokee County Schools superintendent Jeana Conley stepped up to co-coordinate with Susie. The event raised money and awareness for the program started by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in 1947.

Dave and Sarah Thomas had the good fortune of befriending the Evans at church, so it was just a matter of time before they joined the charity with their friends as event coordinators.

“Toys for Tots was new to us,” Sarah said. “Our first experience was a fun motorcycle run at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel. We knew that day we needed to get more involved with Cherokee County Toys for Tots.”

When it came time to organize this year's fundraiser, all eyes turned back to Nottely River Valley Vineyard and Caribbean food from The Ark. The successful smash-up needed to be repeated.

“This year we had amazing estate wines, delicious Caribbean food and continuous music from George Ausman, Wooley Booger, Marci, Jim and friends, and James David Flowers on the patio,” Sarah said.

The leadership team focused on two main goals: to raise as much money as they could, and to collect as many toys as possible. Last year, the organization served 1,200 children, a record number it hopes to surpass this year.

This fundraiser was a precursor to the official campaign, which runs through mid-December. Santa’s Toys for Tots elves work year-round with buying, sorting and bagging quality toys and books. Eller & Owens provides space in their warehouse as a collection point for the county.

“Dave Shaver, the warehouse manager, does a fantastic job getting these toys to us,” Sarah said.

She offered ways for the community to become involved.

“Watch for our jars and boxes placed around the county. Look for volunteers at Lowe’s and Walmart collecting toys and cash. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or make a cash donation to help our kids,” Sarah said.

All of the money raised and toys collected remains right here at home.

“The people of Cherokee County are some of the most generous people in the country,” Sarah said. “The only qualification to receive toys at Christmas is to be a Cherokee County resident.”