In previous years, Macon County volunteers worked with Toys for Tots, a U.S. Marine Corps Christmas toy donation program, but transitioned to the newly formed Macon County Elves this holiday season. Despite the new name, the program is run by the same volunteers and continues the mission of ensuring local children experience the wonders of Christmas.
As an independent organization rather than part of a nationwide corporation, Macon County Elves can maintain every dollar and toy donated in the county, respond more quickly to local needs, form direct partnerships with local organizations and develop more flexible, year-round opportunities for local families.
The program utilized two drop-off locations in Highlands: Regions Bank and Oak Steakhouse. Donors were encouraged to drop off fully-wrapped gifts for children aged 0-13.
“We try to do as much as we can in the community,” said Regions Bank branch manager Jessica Farrell. “And I think we try to do it in a way where we help all kinds of groups, so this is a good way to impact children for Christmas.”
Regions Bank has been a longstanding supporter of Toys for Tots and now Macon County Elves. Under Farrell, the bank promoted the program through the Macon County Elves Website, Highlands Rotary Club meeting announcements and Facebook posts. Farrell said donations seemed down this year despite the extensive promotion.
“I just feel like it’s been a little bit less this year than normal and I don’t know if that’s because the name has changed,” said Farrell. “We’ve tried to really put it out there that it’s all the same. The name is the only thing that’s different.”
Still, numerous gifts were collected and many local families were able to give their children a memorable Christmas. While Highlands is often thought of as a wealthy town, there are still families that need this type of support.
“I think there’s a big need, and sometimes it seems like it might go unseen because just looking from the outside, you might think, oh, it’s Highlands. It’s just wealthy and there is no need for it,” said Farrell. “But really, with the families and the people that kind of work and run the town, there’s definitely a need for it.”
Gifts were picked up by Macon County Elves on Dec. 20 and distributed to local families.
- Mitch Stone
reporter@highlandsnews.com