On Wednesday, the City of Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board made a special delivery at the Holiday Bureau of Anderson County, dropping off an estimated $1,200 worth of toys just in time for Christmas.

The YAB, made up of 16 Oak Ridge High School students, purchased new items at a local retailer with funds raised at other board events, a press release said. Items purchased include toys for all ages, as well as bicycles, clothing, and sports equipment. The items will soon be distributed to low-income families in Oak Ridge and Anderson County for the holidays, the press release said.

“This generation of young people want to make a real difference in the world and I’m proud to be able to work with them,” YAB City Staff Liaison Matt Reedy said. “YAB members voted unanimously to give back to kids who are less fortunate. Most of the money supporting this project was raised by students at the Children’s Halloween Party, a city event at which they also volunteer.”

After delivering and helping sort through the donated items at the Holiday Bureau’s warehouse on Emory Valley Road, the students took a tour of the facility to learn more about the nonprofit’s mission and other ways they can help. [Read more…]