Community Helps Bring Christmas Joy to Club Kids

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport has joined forces with employees from Eastman and local community members to make this Christmas extra special for 55 club kids. The collaborative effort will result in the donation of toys, clothing, shoes, and school supplies, valued at around an estimated $8,500.

Nastassia Taylor, Director of Education and Operations for the Club, has been a long-time employee of the club and expressed gratitude for the long-standing partnership with the employees from Eastman and the community, stating, "We have been partnering with employees of Eastman and other community members to provide gifts for kids as far back as 2008."

The employees of Eastman, who wish to remain anonymous, emphasize that their involvement is a personal commitment rather than an organizational initiative. They give with the Christmas spirit in mind and want the spotlight to remain with the joy they all aim to bring to children during the holiday season.

The Club kids who are selected are truly the ones who need it the most. Our Club reaches out to community partners and organizations asking for an angel tree sponsorship for one of the kids. However, most of the individuals who participate select more than one Club kid from the Angel tree.

“What we usually see, is somebody select 2-4 kids from our Angel tree list,” Jonathan Albarado, Development Director for the club said. “It’s heartwarming to see such generosity towards our kids and we are grateful to have so much support from Eastman and the community.”

Lisa K., a member of the Kingsport community, wanted to give back to the Club and help provide Club kids with a great Christmas this year. She reached out to the Club and asked if she could sponsor kids from our Angel Tree. When she learned the Club still had kids available to help this Christmas, she generously sponsored four Club kids. Lisa had sons who attended the Club in the early 2000’s when they were kids and said they had a great experience. “I wanted to give back to the Club that helped shape my kids into the men they are today.” Lisa said. “I am thankful for the work the Club does in the community, and I am happy to support the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport.”

Gifts, individually wrapped with each club kid's name on the tag, are delivered throughout the first couple of weeks of December. Parents will be notified and can pick up the gifts before the Christmas holiday break, ensuring they are ready to be placed under the tree on Christmas morning.

Jessica Poore, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport, remarked, "Every kid's Christmas should be magical, and we are grateful for the support of community members who step up to help families during the holidays. The generosity that is on display this Christmas is truly inspiring and we appreciate every one of our individual donors who have helped us throughout the year and this Christmas."