THE 2025 “Under The Tree” Toy Campaign is almost over. There are some exhausted Elves. These Elves pick up the Black Bags packed with toys each year from the local businesses that have trees: Mission of Hope Therapy, Janet’s Hair & Tan, Tolliver’s Market, Bookers Market, UT Extension, American Business, Commercial Bank, Union Discount Pharmacy, First Century Bank and Food City. They then process the bags making sure the children’s wishes are met. Some ornaments are not pulled off the trees and these Elves shop for those toys. They ensure every bag is complete.

It takes a village and the Union County Community comes thru every year by picking ornaments for Union County childrens wishes for Christmas. We serve only low income families with children 0-12 years old, that are residents from Union County only. This years campaign have over 400 children registered. The non profit is ran by the Union County Professional Business Association and has been going on for over thirty years now. In recent years we have received a grant from the Laura Kress Family Trust, thru the East Tennessee Foundation. We receive donations from the community as well. Clayton Homes Maynardville Plant really steps up to the plate. This year the Clayton employees not only made a monetary donation, they asked for a tree loaded with ornaments. They hit a home run on providing children’s wishes. We collected truck loads of black bags loaded with toys. Thanks to all who purchased toys and made monetary donations. Big thanks to the Elf Squad: Lesia Campbell, Denise and Kara Cooke, Jeri Lett, Carol Pratt, Phyllis Bailey and Loretta Perry. Most of these ladies belong to Cedar Grove Baptist Church and Big Ridge FCE Club.

Distribution Day is Saturday, Dec. 6th, 10;00-1:00. Recipients must have acceptance letter when picking up toys.