Days away from Christmas, a community outreach group in Roane County hopes the public can help bring Christmas joy to local families.  Even with 800 gifts donated, Jerry Wells, founder of Concerned Citizens of Roane County, says some gifts at a community Christmas party were taken. “Santa had asked me if he could get a couple gifts for his family. Sure, you can get a couple gifts,” said Wells.  Wells says the Santa at the party, as well as a few others, took gifts meant for families in need – more than they were told they could take.

Now, Wells hopes the community will come through again. To replace the shortage of gifts, he hopes to replace the toys before Christmas morning. Wells said this was the first time the outreach group held a party like this and that next year the party will be more organized.

Donations can be made by visiting the Concerned Citizens of Roane County Facebook page or by calling (865) 455-2118.