I'm Saving You Money tonight on toys for Christmas.  If you aren't able
to afford presents for your children.. there are plenty of resources to
help.

They're coming in by the cart full  for infants, teen
girls...  maybe Johny needs a bike?  The Manger in Franklin has been
helping struggling families more than 2 decades.

Susan Thornton with The Manger sponsored by Graceworks says,
"We've been doing it for 22 years. That's a miracle."

Susan "Clause" Thornton.... is the founder.

She says, "This is the manger 3 days out."

Thornton
explains, "The manger gives the gift and the gift of giving. That's why
we think it's important to do it this way. It's harder on us.  It takes
more stuff."
Stacy Case says:  "It takes a big building."
Susan Thornton says, "Yes, takes a big building.  We think it's worth it."
Stacy Case says, "Because it preserves human dignity?  
Susan Thornton replies," Absolutely."

  
That's because the Manger, run by the nonprofit Graceworks,  lets
parents enjoy the Christmas spirit by shopping for their children
themselves.  They only have to pay $1 for everything.

 Thornton
says, "That's the point of saying I shopped.    It's the most powerful
dollar because you are providing it from your resources  and if that's
what you have,  that 's what you pay."

    Shoppers have to apply
and are given a "shop night."  Many tables and shelves are still empty.
    The Salvation Army also serves thousands of families.  A big toy
drive this morning at LP Field went a long way in fulfilling the 'field
of dreams.'

Salvation Army spokesperson says, "We still have
about 3 thousand  angels that have not been adopted so today we're here
at LP  Field collecting toys so we can fill in those forgotten angels so
they are taken care of during Christmas."
 
  Once again, Fox 17
is partnering with the Marines to collect Toys for Tots.  You can drop
them off at Fox 17  any time.  We  then deliver these toys to a Smyrna
warehouse for distribution to the Salvation Army and charities like
the     Last Minute Toy Store.

  Volunteer and Toy Donor Ray
Harrell  says, "It's just the joy of watching these folks who you know
without this, they couldn't afford Christmas with their kids."

The
Last Minute Toy Store is at the 61st Avenue United Methodist Church in
Nashville.    Any Davidson County family who has fallen through the
cracks... in the final days before Christmas can shop here.

  For a link to any of these resources, go to Fox17.com and click Fox links.   Merry Christmas. 

SAVING YOU MONEY: Toys for underprivileged