Grace McAlister, Riverbend News
“Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.” (Exodus 23:20)
After losing their five-year-old son, Jackson Timothy Roberts, to an ATV accident in November 2020, the Roberts family and a few members of the community wanted to honor his memory by sharing his giving spirit. This year, they're holding the first annual Jackson Timothy Roberts (JTR) Memorial Toy Drive.
“We thought, 'what better way than to host an annual toy drive for the community of Branford?' Living in a small town, resources can be limited, so the family has started a non-profit in his honor,” said Lisa Parrish, Jackson's Pre-K teacher and a friend of the Roberts family.
The JTR Memorial Toy Drive will also help provide assistance to families throughout the year by providing school supplies, winter coats and helping with sports dues. Donation boxes are set up at many businesses and buildings around Branford, including Branford FFA; Branford High School, Branford Elementary School, Suwanee Brew Coffee Co. and Main Street. The non-profit has contacts at various Branford schools who notify them when one may be in need. Additionally, they have forms families can fill out and privately request assistance.
Those who would like to assist with the JTR Toy Drive, drop a toy off at any of the drop-off locations. In addition, those who wish to donate can view the toy drive's Amazon wish-list by visiting the JTR Memorial Toy Drive Facebook page at facebook.com/jtrtoydrive. There are also two additional links on their Facebook page, which lead to online forms; one for business sponsors and one for families to request assistance. Those wishing to sponsor the toy drive can also send an email to jacksontimothyroberts@gmail.com.
The JTR Memorial Toy Drive currently has seven sponsors who they would like to thank, including Suwannee Iron Works, Branford Love N Care, Florida Peanut Federation, Branford High school, Kenna and Matt Frierson, Old General Store and Main Street Station. The JTR Memorial Toy Drive hopes this year is a great success and plans to continue annually.
“Jackson had the most giving spirit. He truly enjoyed making everyone smile. He was a friend to everyone,” said Parrish.
The toy drive's goal is to reach 200 kids this year. Toy collection began on Wednesday, Dec. 1 and they already had a total of 28 children registered and 18 toys ordered off of the Amazon wish-list. The toy drive will continue until Friday, Dec. 17.