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TFNT is targeting children up to 15 years old.
Understandably, TFNT will operate much like its original counterpart. Families seeking help from the new organization may pick up applications at Fire Station 3 on Industrial Park Road beginning Monday, Dec. 1 and going through Saturday, Dec. 6.
But before the organization can sort through applications, it needs contributions. TFNT is seeking donations of new toys and money to buy new toys, which will be distributed on Tuesday, Dec. 23. New toys may be donated at four drop-off points around Brookhaven: Central Fire Station, Cable One, O'Reily Auto Parts and Lincoln Truck Parts.
Monetary donations may also be deposited at these locations. Checks should be made out to Toys for Needy Tots and sealed in an envelope.
Graham said he hopes to raise enough money - $2,000 to $3,000 - and collect enough new toys to help 50 to 60 local children with a new toy, a useful item of clothing like a new coat and perhaps a few school supplies.
Graham said leftover funds would be expended in an effort to make sure any last-minute families are taken care of.
Anyone contributing to the organization's cause can rest assured the money will go to a child who needs it. Graham said TFNT will be working with the local chapters of other organizations like Toys for Tots and the Junior Auxiliary to ensure there is no "double dipping" - one applicant receiving the same help from several organizations.
"We're looking for people who have not had any help," he said. "I don't want to give out toys and find out they've already been to another group. We'll be working to make sure the names don't come up again."
To raise awareness of - and money for - TFNT's first year in operation, the organization will be hosting a lengthy, old-fashion "trail ride" through Brookhaven and west-central Lincoln County.
Randy Hutson, who oversees the famous Wesson wagon train that travels to Jackson annually, has teamed up with Graham to hold an approximately 12-mile trail ride of horses, mules, wagons and buggies on Dec. 6.
The horse parade will depart from the Lincoln County Livestock Sale Barn at 9 a.m. and travel in a giant, clockwise circle, crossing west Brookhaven and the Old Red Star community before eventually arriving back at the sale barn from the north.
Hutson said anyone with a horse or mule wishing to participate in the parade is invited - the more riders, the bigger the parade, the more money raised. Riders will be asked to make a $10 contribution or a toy of $10 value.
"Basically, we're just gonna ride for the kids," Hutson said. "It's the same thing as having a motorcycle ride for a fundraiser."
Hutson said he looking for riders who can contribute wagons, buggies and trailers for hay rides so that more people may ride along in the parade.
