ABINGDON, Va. — Food City will once again host the annual Johnia Berry Toy Drive which marks the 20th year the retailer has hosted the memorial drive, which began in 2005.
“Johnia was extremely passionate about helping children and Food City is proud to be part of the annual Johnia Berry Toy Drive, which donates thousands of toys to needy children in our area each year,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer.
The drive will kick-off on Nov. 1 and continue through December 2. Specially marked collection containers will be located at area Food City locations throughout the Tri-Cities.
The toys are scheduled to be distributed on Dec. 6, the anniversary of Johnia’s death. Pharoah’s Car Club of Southwest Virginia has volunteered to assist with the toy pick-up and distribution.
The Berry Family have selected a number of local agencies to receive the toys, including Tri-State Children’s Home, Highlands Community Services — IDD Department, Safe Passage Women’s Shelter, Community Help Center of Northeast Tennessee, Cumberland Mountain Community Services of Cedar Bluff, Virginia, HOPE Center of Greeneville, Tenn., local schools in Virginia and Tennessee and many others.