photo by: Derek Cressman

Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley are pictured at the Toy Store in 2023.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Store, a free-referral based grocery store co-founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley in the Nashville area, will host its Second Annual Toy Store presented by Edward Jones in mid-December.

Through generous donations from sponsors and donors across the U.S., more than 800 families facing food insecurity and currently supported by The Store, will be able to shop and choose toys for their family. Those in attendance will be treated to on-site gift wrapping and traditional holiday party festivities for all ages.

“We were so thrilled to see the success of the Toy Store last year,” Brad Paisley said. “We appreciate the help and support from the community and our partners who worked together to make it a reality. With this continued generosity, our hope is to aid the families we serve with toys every year.”

More than 5,000 toys, countless rolls of wrapping paper, tape, bows and other supplies are needed to ensure these families enjoy a day filled with holiday shopping and dignity. The Store is once again partnering with the First Responders Children’s Foundation to support some of the toys needed for the younger kids, but many needs still exist.

The donation drive launched earlier this month, and contributions can be made in three ways: by purchasing items from the Wish List, donating financially at www.thestore.org, or – for those in the Nashville area – by volunteering time at The Store. For those donating in the Nashville area, toys and gift-wrapping supplies may also be purchased and dropped off at The Store by Dec. 11.

Those contributing will not only provide children with toys, but also instill a sense of hope and community spirit during a time when it’s needed the most.

“We believe together, we can create lasting memories and uplift the spirits of those who need it most,” Kimberly Williams-Paisley said.

Founded by the Paisleys, The Store is a free referral based grocery store, which aims to empower low-income individuals and families in the Nashville area.

The Store operates with the mission of allowing people to shop for their basic needs in a way that protects dignity and fosters hope.

There is no charge to those referred or to the people and agencies that send them. They may shop for food to supplement their income during times of crisis and as they work toward self-sufficiency.

The Store currently works with nearly 25 referral agencies in Nashville to help families in securing food assistance while they access other support services, for a more comprehensive and holistic approach for families in need.

The Store purchases all its food, with the exception of locally grown produce and in-kind donations through licensed vendors.

The Store regularly serves over 700 households weekly and recently announced expansion to a second location on Tri-Star Centennial’s campus opening summer 2025.

To learn more, visit www.thestore.org or email info@thestore.org.