Toys collected for a toy drive in South Carolina totaled 353, far surpassing Elizabethton native Chris DeVault’s goal of 200. The drive was organized by Elizabethton native Chris DeVault in memory of his uncle, Carl Ford. DeVault now lives in Georgetown, S.C., where he donated the toys to Toys for Tots.
He purchased $800 worth of toys with money donated by Elizabethton residents, as well as toys ordered on Amazon through a Wish List that he created.
Ford’s body aged, but DeVault said his mind remained about 3-years-old until he passed away in 2011 at age 70, DeVault said. Christmas was Ford’s favorite time of year, so DeVault and his family continue Ford’s love of Christmas by spreading what they call “Carl’s Christmas Cheer.”
DeVault said the collection was a huge success and that his family was extremely happy and thankful.
“Carl would have bee so excited about all these toys!” he said.