Franklin Police Department Revives Annual Toy Drive for Holiday Season, Honors Local Heroes Kristi Clark and Carter Oakley

The Franklin Police Department is all set to bring back its annual tradition of collecting toys for those in need, with the initiative starting on November 12. This effort aims to bring a little extra holiday spirit to local families and is expected to run through December 20.

Residents are encouraged to contribute new, unwrapped gifts suitable for children and teens at the police headquarters located at 900 Columbia Ave. The department’s front lobby will accept these donations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, providing a convenient drop-off point for community members looking to make a difference, according to the

City of Franklin news release

.

In a statement obtained by the

City of Franklin

, Police Chief Deb Faulkner expressed the department’s pride in the program’s impact since its 2016 inception, stating, “Each present will be delivered to Franklin families who may need some extra holiday cheer,” and reflecting on the “indescribable” emotions stirred by the generosity she has witnessed.

The toy drive also serves as a tribute to the selfless acts of Kristi Clark and her son Carter Oakley, who tragically lost their lives in 2015 while assisting at a car accident. In remembrance, Kristi’s father, Brad Lewis, has crafted numerous wooden toy chests over the years, donating them to aid in the toy drive. “I feel very proud,” Lewis told the

City of Franklin

, “The pain is still there, but creating these toy chests has become therapy for me.”

Turning personal grief into communal generosity, these toy chests symbolize both a father’s love and a lasting legacy of community support, in line with the giving spirits of Kristi and Carter. The citizens of Franklin now have an opportunity to contribute to this noble cause, extending a tradition of kindness that shines brightly during the holiday season.

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