CULLMAN, Ala. – A new holiday outreach program launched this year by Cullman Elks Lodge #1609 and the Cullman Veterans of Foreign Wars is helping ensure local children are not left without Christmas gifts due to late-year hardship.
The initiative, called Toys of Joy, grew out of a smaller volunteer effort that began several years ago to sponsor Christmas for local veteran families. Led by Elks member Jessica Atchley, the effort expanded as the number of volunteers grew and more families were seeking help after traditional holiday assistance deadlines had passed.
This year, the Lodge formally kicked off Toys of Joy, a program designed specifically to serve Cullman County families facing sudden challenges such as job loss, medical emergencies, sudden custody changes or other unexpected circumstances. while remaining fully focused on local impact by ensuring every dollar raised stays in the county and every toy reaches a local child in need.
The hope behind the initiative is simple: that no child falls through the cracks or misses the joy of receiving a gift to call their own.
“There is something truly special about serving locally,” said Atchley, now serving as the project lead for Toys of Joy. “When your donors are your neighbors and every child you help lives right here at home, the impact feels deeply personal.”
According to Atchley, the community response to the program’s first year exceeded expectations. Local businesses, churches, civic organizations and individual donors stepped forward to sponsor families and provide financial support, resulting in more than 20 drop-off locations and over 20 unique sponsors countywide. That generosity allowed volunteers to assemble and distribute more than 350 personalized gift bundles to children throughout Cullman County, each tailored to reflect the child’s interests and needs.
Following the success of its inaugural year, Toys of Joy is here to stay and will become an annual initiative for Cullman Elks Lodge #1609 and the Cullman VFW. Planning is already underway for next year, with organizers focused on serving more families, building stronger community partnerships and keeping every donation local to directly benefit Cullman County families.
“If even one child wakes up believing in magic again, every moment of work is worth it,” Atchley said. “Cullman proved once again that when we serve together, joy multiplies.”
For more information on Toys of Joy, email toysofjoy1609@gmail.com. For information on the Cullman VFW, call 256-739-6611 or email commandervfwpost2214@outlook.com.
