Those getting ready to do their Christmas shopping are invited to pick up some extra children’s gifts to take to The Bridge Church, in the building formerly known as The Barn Event Center, 10105 South U.S. 63, West Plains, for the 12th annual Toys for Tots Christmas Concert to be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings.
“This is the twelfth year we have been bringing this event to West Plains,” said Dan Duncan, organizer of the event. “We are continually working to make it better!”
The two-night celebration is a an annual tradition to help kick off the Christmas season and help “make Christmas merry” for area children by collecting gifts of toys for them, say organizers. This year’s program will feature talent from Missouri and Arkansas, plus Texas, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Mississippi.
“If you've never seen the eyes of children light up as they open presents at Christmas time, when they are expecting nothing for Christmas, it's one of the great joys of Christmas,” said Duncan. “You can help put the sparkle in the eyes of a child this Christmas by helping Toys For Tots help the less fortunate children of our area.”
The event collects toys for the children of Howell County and the counties immediately surrounding. It is presented through a partnership of the U.S. Marine Corps League and local television station K36NN TV, Channel 36.
“The program is beautiful! Set on a stage of over 50 lighted Christmas trees, the sounds of Christmas music fill the air,” said organizers. “Musical styles range from bluegrass, country, contemporary and traditional — and it's all Christmas music!”
The public is welcome to attend both nights of this family event. Children are admitted free. The price of admission for adults is one new, unwrapped toy for a child, or a donation at the door.
The shows will open with a special appearance by the Ozark Christian Academy Children's Choir. Listed among this years performers are The Tiptons, Zac Clifton, Barbara Fairchild and Roy Morris,The Waymasters, Bill Baker, The Liberty Bells, Crystle Elam,The Howell Family, Jeremy Abbott, Ava Kasich, Jeff Burns,The Mattingly Family, Matt Winters, Mary Fay Jackson, Ray Epperson, Dan Duncan and the TV 36 Band, Paul Winchester, Donna Kilmurray, Rev. Scott Williamson, The Singing Bones, Jim Sheldon and Sonshine Road. Some artists will sing both nights, others will sing one night only.
For more information, call 417-372-1129.
