Mother's Toy Store provides Christmas

More than 500 children who otherwise would not have Christmas presents under the tree this year will have a joyous Christmas morning because of the Big Brothers of Mt. Juliet's outreach, the Mother's Toy Store.
Mt. Juliet Middle School's cafeteria was brimming with all sorts of toys Saturday morning to offer to families who qualified for the giveaway.
"We served 252 families this year," said BBMJ President Sherry Bilbrey. "And we will keep giving away toys up until Christmas."
However, Bilbrey said this season was the first in the history of BBMJ that donations were so low they had to use their budgeted funds to buy toys.
"It was just really, really bad," said Bilbrey. "I have to credit that to the bad economy."
Historically, BBMJ helps hundreds of families during this season, and sometimes year- round, pay for their utilities and gas. Because they had to use money to buy toys, this fund is depleted. Things look so bad Bilbrey said they might just have to shut down.
"It's never been this bad," said Bilbrey. "What people can do is give donations to help out."
Bilbrey reiterated that there is no need for a child to go without Christmas presents and parents who qualify to receive toys can call 615-641-0577 to arrange pickup. Anyone who wishes to donate to BBMJ can write a check to Big Brothers of Mt. Juliet, PO Box 1513, Mt. Juliet, TN 37121.
Mt. Juliet News managing editor Laurie Everett can be reached at 615-444-3952 ext. 46 or mtjulietnews@tds.net.