On December 9, staff from each elementary school and Tennessee Middle gathered at the Bristol Tennessee City Schools administration building for a heartwarming tradition: shopping for toys to brighten the holidays for approximately 150 students. This initiative, made possible through the 20th Annual Johnia Berry Toy Drive, celebrates the spirit of giving and community.
The toys, funded by various donations, reflect the collective efforts of many caring organizations. Tennessee High School Civinettes shopped for toys using hard-earned monetary donations, while toy donations were plentiful from the Bristol TN/VA Association of Realtors’ Christmas in July event, Appalachian Literacy Initiative, and local Food City locations. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Johnia Berry Toy Drive, a tribute to the compassionate legacy of Johnia Berry, a Tennessee High graduate whose life was tragically cut short during a home invasion in December 2004.
Johnia’s parents, Joan and Mike Berry, began the toy drive to honor her memory and her dedication to helping others. Today, the Tennessee High Civinettes continue her legacy. "She was very active in the community and school. She was selfless and cared deeply about anyone she could help," said Civinettes member Zoe Coble. "That inspires us to make a bigger impact and keep her legacy alive."
Before the shopping began, Kay Ward, BTCS coordinator of family and community engagement, reminded participants of Johnia’s enduring legacy of selflessness. With careful planning, each school selected toys, five items at a time, until every gift was claimed.
Thanks to the generosity of the Berry family and the unwavering support of the community, this special effort ensures that children across the district will experience the joy and magic of the holiday season. This act of kindness serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of giving.