The Store’s Inaugural Toy Store Aids Nashville Families This Holiday Season

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Brad Paisley & Kimberly Williams-Paisley at The Store’s Toy Store. Photo: Derek Cressman

Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley‘s The Store—the free, referral-based grocery store in Nashville in partnership with Brad’s alma mater Belmont University—debuted its first Toy Store over the weekend.

The Store’s Toy Store. Photo: Sam Simpkins

The Nashville community, sponsors and corporations helped The Store collect more than 1,000 toys and donated $20,000 to prep for the inaugural event, along with the help of the staff,  volunteers and the generosity of the First Responders Children’s Foundation donation, who fulfilled the additional 1,000 toys needed.

The partnership with FRCF came through Brad’s record label group, Universal Music Group Nashville, who has chosen FRCF as its charity of choice the past three holiday seasons. Due to the outpouring of generous donations, The Store’s Toy Store was able to provide toys for all the families they are currently serving.

“The emotional aspect of being able to give your child something your child wanted versus just something to sort of get you through the holidays, that’s such a load off the minds of somebody who maybe didn’t think they were going to be able to do that,” Brad said to the Associated Press.

“People come on hard times and we want this to be a safe, welcoming place for everybody, whether you’re volunteering or whether you’re needing the services,” Kimberly shared. “It’s just a community and we’re all in it together.”

The Store operates with the mission of allowing people to shop for their basic needs in a way that protects dignity and fosters hope. There is no charge to those referred or to the people and agencies that send them. They may shop for food to supplement their income during times of crisis and as they work toward self-sufficiency. The Store works with nearly 25 referral agencies in Nashville to help families in securing food assistance while they access other support services, for a more comprehensive approach for families in need.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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