Union City to host first-ever Chimes for Charity ‘Blue Lights & Banks’ food, toy drive
UNION CITY, Tenn. — It’s Christmas time here in West Tennessee, and one local community is coming together under the blue lights to help those who need it most.
Blue lights flashed Friday morning in downtown Union City, but there was no need to panic. Police say they were there for a good reason.
“A lot of times when we see citizens, it’s at their worst when they’ve been victimized by a crime, and being able to go out and help people, it just gives you a good feeling,” Obion County Sheriff Jerry Vastbinder said.
The inaugural Blue Lights and Banks was held for the Chimes for Charity Christmas Drive. This is the 81st season for the Chimes for Charity in the county, helping those less fortunate in the area.
“Union City and Obion County is a very caring community, and it seems like any time that they are asked they always rise to the occasion,” organizer Joe Ward said.
People drove by dropping off food, money and lots of toys.
“We’ve just about got this one full, and of course the sheriff’s department is here as well, and they’ve almost got theirs full, Union City Police Chief Perry Barfield said. “And we have got means to empty these and come back and refill them as many times as people are willing to come by and bring things.”
Law enforcement and bankers were downtown from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. helping pack the patrol cars, sharing joy all around.
“This is just an effort to raise awareness and for those that might be a little less fortunate during this time of year, and to help bring food and toys and smiles,” Ward said.
If you would like to donate, you can visit any of the drop-off locations at the Union City banks, the Union City Police Department and the Obion County Sheriff’s Office.
They also will be hosting two “Pack the Patrol Cars” drives in December. There will be one Dec. 10 at the Union City Wal-Mart and a second on Dec. 17 at the E.W. James, both from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
They will be taking donations until Dec. 21.
