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Christmas toy drive needs donations
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Published: November 8, 2009
Toyota of Concord, Allstate, and Jimmy Murphey are working together to supply toys to children in need this holiday season.
"We've taken on the toy drive in Jimmy's honor," said Michelle Poe, business manager for Toyota of Concord.
Poe has helped Murphey for almost 10 years, and could not imagine a holiday season without Murphey's community service.
Murphey has spent the last 40 years feeding an estimated 50,000 needy Cabarrus area residents Christmas dinner. He has also organized a Christmas toy drive each December.
Last year, Murphey's efforts helped supply Christmas cheer to almost 400 families. He, along with his partners, hopes to help more this year.
But as the 80-year-old's health has declined, he found it impossible to continue.
"My health won't let me do it anymore," Murphey said.
Murphey will spend this Christmas with friends, but his thoughts will be with those he has served in the past, and where they will go.
"Forty years of my life I have given to the people. It's time for someone else to do it, but so far, I haven't heard that anyone has," Murphey said.
As concerned as he is for the families at Christmas, he has directed his attention to something he can manage much more easily, with the help of Toyota of Concord and Michelle Poe — the toy drive.
"I am most concerned now about children, and the toys and clothing they need at Christmas," Murphey said.
Unwrapped and unused toys can be dropped off at Toyota of Concord or Grace Lutheran Church.
All the toys collected will be distributed from the old Honda dealership across from S&D Coffee on Concord Parkway on Christmas Eve morning.
Toyota of Concord is also involved in the cause to rebuild Murphey's home, which has fallen into disrepair.
After all these years of making sure those in need are fed and clothed, he is unable to help himself.
In recent years, as Murphey's health has faded, he has also found himself in financial need.
Murphey has spent the last year staying with a friend. Despite his situation, he is mostly concerned about the children in the community who would go without at Christmas.
"People want me to help," Murphey said. "I have received a lot of calls. People have insisted, almost in tears. They would hate for this to stop. I do this for the love of God and for people."
Want to help?
• Toys and monetary donations can be made at Toyota of Concord, 7670 Bruton Smith Blvd., Concord. Details: Michelle Poe, 704-979-7609.
Toys and Donations also at:
Jimmy Murphey 76 Woodsdale Pl., Concord 704-787-9128.
• Monetary donations can also be made at Wachovia Bank, North Church Street, Concord; or Grace Lutheran Church, 58 Chestnut Drive, Concord.
• Donations to The Jimmy Murphey Home Project can be made at F&M Bank of Concord; Cabarrus County Building Industry Association, P. O. Box 244, Concord, N.C. 28026; or Toyota of Concord, P.O. Box 365, Concord 28026. www.jimmymurpheyhomeproject.org
• Contact reporter Robin L. Gardner: 704-789-9140
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