5th Annual Weston Cosey Memorial Toy Drive brings holiday cheer
Published 2:56 pm Monday, December 16, 2024
Tyler Scalf/Star Correspondent/All the toys are ready to be given away at the Weston Cosey Toy Drive.
Tyler Scalf/Star Correspondent/Madison Scalf brings out toys to give to a family in need.
Tyler Scalf/Star Correspondent/Kamryn Gryder and Pam Scalf at the Weston Cosey Toy Drive bring out toys and Christmas spirit.
Tyler Scalf/Star Correspondent/The Weston Cosey mascot waves to cars picking up their toys.
Tyler Scalf/Star Correspondent/Volunteer Chris Truax helps distribute s’mores and hot chocolate during the event.
Tyler Scalf/Star Correspondent/The event came to life when the Grinch began waving at oncoming traffic.
Tyler Scalf/Star Correspondent/The Grinch, Santa, and the Weston Cosey mascot made an appearance at the Weston Cosey Toy Drive.
Tyler Scalf/Star Correspondent/Chris and Kelli Waters brought two trailer loads of toys from a toy drive at Owen’s Restaurant in Dandridge, Tenn., owned by Jennifer Bates.
Tyler Scalf/Star Correspondent/The "misfit toys" area offered gently used toys for kids.
Tyler Scalf/Star Correspondent/As cars drove by Gap Creek Road, the mascots advertised free toys for the community.
Tyler Scalf/Star Correspondent/Chris Truax and Santa let cars traveling on Gap Creek Road know about the free toys.
Tyler Scalf/Star Correspondent/Grayson Young holds a "FREE TOYS!" sign.
Tyler Scalf/Star Correspondent/Heather and Tammy Allen bring out toys to distribute in honor of Weston Cosey.
Tyler Scalf/Star Correspondent/Jessica Gryder checks off participants after they pick up their toys.
Tyler Scalf/Star Correspondent/Family and friends pose for a photo after the Weston Cosey Toy Drive event.
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By Tyler Scalf
Star Correspondent
The 5th Annual Weston Cosey Memorial Toy Drive took place on Saturday, Dec. 14, at Harmony Free Will Baptist Church in Hampton, continuing the family’s tradition of honoring the memory of Weston Cosey.
The toy drive focuses on collecting toys for children in need during the holiday season, spreading love and joy in Weston’s name. The event featured a festive atmosphere with appearances from the Weston Cosey mascot, Santa Claus, and the Grinch, adding extra cheer to the occasion.
When asked what the toy drive means to them, Jessica Gryder, Weston’s aunt, shared her deeply emotional connection to the event: “We do this to see Weston’s smile again,” she said. “Every year, as we work to provide toys to families, we’re reminded of the joy Weston brought to all of us. Seeing the grateful faces of those we help is like seeing his smile once more. Weston was such a light, and through this toy drive, we keep that light shining by spreading the love, joy, and happiness he gave us all.”
The event provided a warm atmosphere for the community, offering hot chocolate and s’mores for attendees as they donated toys for children in need.
When asked what the toy drive means to her, Tammy Allen, Weston’s grandmother, expressed how it has become an essential part of the family’s healing process: “To me, the toy drive is a true labor of love. It’s all about carrying forward the love left behind by my grandson Weston,” she said. “Weston was loved by so many, and he shared that love freely with others. For five years now, we’ve been blessed to help put smiles on children’s faces and support families in need during the holidays. We couldn’t do this without the love and support of our family, our church, local merchants, and the countless organizations and individuals who have joined us on this journey.”
When asked about the impact of the toy drive, Allen added, “It’s a collective effort, and every year, it becomes more heartwarming to see how the community comes together to make this event possible. The love we receive in return for what we give back is truly overwhelming.”
New to the event this year was the “Island of Misfit Toys,” where kids got the opportunity to choose slightly used toys.
The toy drive continues to grow each year, ensuring that over 200 children receive toys during the holiday season. Through their continued efforts, the family honors Weston’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and compassion.
