McCormick First Responders Saving Christmas for Gatlinburg Families

Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016

McCormick, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) -- The McCormick County Emergency Services is holding a toy drive for sheltered families in Gatlinburg.

The first responders who save lives every day are now saving Christmas for kids in Tennessee.

Director Chris Doolittle says, "We know when disaster strikes, all kinds of needs are left in that community."

The drive began on December 1st and since then the support has been overwhelming.

Jason Brown helped start and organize the drive. He has a personal connection to the Gatlinburg area -- his brother lives there.

"Talked to him the next morning-- he said most of the community had been burnt down," he says.

Brown spoke with the local Christmas store up there and they said the Red Cross is providing plenty of disaster relief materials. He then asked if they needed anything for the children.

A toy drive was begun through a charity, McCormick County Emergency Services and with the help of local McCormick County businesses like the Family Dollar.

Brown is very proud of the community support. "People are giving. It's December I reckon you can call it the Christmas spirit or what not."

Doolittle says this isn't the first time the local community has rallied together to help others across the country. "It's something we understand that one day -- hopefully we won't need -- but maybe in our time our community will need the same help," he says.

The Toy Drive runs through Tuesday. That evening they will deliver the toys.

You can still drop off donations at the Emergency Services Building 212 Augusta Street Ext., McCormick, S.C. or at the Family Dollar 303 South Mine Street, McCormick S.C.