In the aftermath of the fires that recently devastated parts of the city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee and surrounding areas, local citizens partnered together to make this a happier holiday for those whose homes and businesses were lost.   

Greenville resident Vesta Taylor spearheaded a donation drive in early December to gather toys, coats and blankets, all of which were delivered to Gatlinburg on Dec. 21 via Sheri and Jimmy Jones’ festively decorated cattle trailer.

Taylor says that area businesses, church groups, along with families and individuals all partnered together in the effort to bring comfort and joy to those Tennessee families in need. 

One of the local charitable groups that assisted with the project was The Faith Project, a project spearheaded by three local Fort Dale Academy students, Lillian Faith Baker, Anna Grace Baker and Charlotte Kate Anderson.  The girls were able to organize the delivery of nearly 100 new blankets.