OWSLEY COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - Nearly 500 children at Owsley County Elementary School and Head Start received Christmas gifts Monday morning through a partnership between WKYT’s Pack the Lobby event, Mission of Hope and King City Church.
The gift delivery came two weeks after WKYT’s Pack the Lobby event, where community members donated toys and gifts for children in need.
“It’s one of obviously it’s one of the kids’ favorite days but even the staff loves it cuz the kids are so happy and they’re so excited to go home with all their stuff,” said Sylvia McIntosh, principal of Owsley County Elementary School.
Volunteers spent the morning unloading boxes and filling bags with toys for students. Each child received an assistant to help them select presents.
“I was always taught to give more than I take and and this mission of hope is is there for that purpose,” said Ron Flannery, a volunteer with King City Church.
Flannery, a former student at the school, said connecting with the children was meaningful to him.
“Especially since it’s my hometown... To see the smiles on their faces and the happiness that it brings to them, uh it’s special,” he said.
Fifth grader Daphne Spence said she looks forward to the annual toy distribution.
“They bring stuff for kids that don’t really have a lot and they can can’t really get a lot of stuff. And it also brings joy to other people. And it just brings joy to me to see everyone happy,” Spence said.
Fellow fifth grader Camille Brewer said she sometimes shares her gifts with family members.
“It’s really fun to get all these presents early and um sometimes um when I don’t like when I don’t really like use the gift I usually give it to my siblings,” Brewer said.
McIntosh said she was grateful the school could host the toy drive this year after winter weather affected last year’s event.
Story by WYMT
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