October 2, 2026
TOCCOA, Ga. — Four people accepted Christ as their Savior, and more than 450 kids received Christmas presents during First Baptist Church of Toccoa’s Associational Toy Store on Saturday, Dec. 13.
The store was a way to provide Christmas for those in need in the community, build relationships, and have conversations about Jesus, according to Senior Pastor Brett Sanders. “We wanted to take the time to build a relationship. We wanted them to know that, yes, we care about them and want to give them a present for their kids to have on Christmas, but ultimately, we want them to know that we love them and let that point them to the fact that they have a heavenly father who loves them and desires a relationship with them.”
Families were greeted when they came in, talked to at registration, talked to by a counselor, taken around the store, taken to gift wrapping, and helped by someone who carried presents to their car.
“We wanted to make sure we had as many positive interactions and contact with every family that came in,” Sanders said.
Counselors received prayer requests and presented the gospel. Families had the opportunity to respond, and the counselors prayed with them.
In the store, families and parents felt like they were picking out presents for their kids. Parents were able to look through some things and shop for their kids instead of having gifts given to them. “They know their own kids and know what their kids might like,” Sanders said.
The next stop was a gift wrapping area. If they brought their kids, the children were sent to make presents for their parents. This included ornaments and crafts.
Families were thrilled to be shopping in the store. “There were so many times where they walked through the toy store and said, ‘This is exactly what my kid was asking for,’ and ‘This was exactly what they put on their list,' or 'This is exactly what they wanted,’” Sanders remarked.
The counseling sessions led to decisions. A coach at a local high school served as a counselor. He had two former students who had children, and both of those former students prayed to accept Christ. “It’s a neat full circle moment,” Sanders declared.
The church saw 40 families last year. This year, the church served 150 families. The church passed out applications at their ‘There’s Hope For The Hungry’ food ministry in November, and also had applications from the Department of Family and Children’s Services, local schools, and local organizations such as Toccoa Life, a pregnancy resource center in Toccoa.
“We realized quickly that we were going past that and didn’t know how far past it we were going to go," Sanders said. "It was overwhelming in the moment. That’s a lot of families, and that is a lot of gifts and a lot of things that have to fall into place to make this work.”
Those pieces fell into place quickly as members heard of the rising need. Sunday School classes and church members came together, donated money, or went shopping and bought gifts to bring to the church. A toy drive by the local sheriff’s department supplied more gifts for the ministry. Sanders heard of families taking their children shopping for this event and asking them to pick out what they would like to get this year.
“What blew me away and was so encouraging was the way the church stepped up to meet that need," Sanders said. "The church took and ran with this opportunity.”
There were 130 volunteers from all ages who showed the love of Christ. “Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. If you want your heart in the community and you want your heart for your neighbors, then start investing your treasure there. And, your heart will follow,” Sanders noted.
Sanders said the event has changed the church. “A lot of times, people just do not know where to begin. This gives them a beginning step,” Sanders said to see what they are capable of. Sanders added that church members then become obedient doers and not hearers, and become a part of something bigger than themselves.
Tugalo Baptist Association Associational Missions Strategist Jason DeFoor was encouraged by this year's event. “We’re always looking for ways to serve the community and have a platform for the gospel. With the expansion, we were really able to do that well. It’s an opportunity for churches to do something together in the community.”
Toccoa was one of three associational toy store locations. The other locations were Martin Baptist Church in Martin and Franklin Springs Baptist Church in Royston. Martin served 84 children this year, and Franklin Springs served 81,
In its 17th year, the store’s goal is to show God’s love to families and tell about the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Prior to 2024, Martin was the sole location of the store. The average families served at Martin each year was 70.
“For years, the association rallied to have a good event there (in Martin), but our association is so spread out that it made sense to try to start expanding and have churches in the community partner together for their community,” said DeFoor, who has been the association’s strategist for one year. “It’s a strong history, but I think we are in a time where it is being reimagined and has got new energy. As we expand locations, it helps it to continue on.”
Toccoa is in Stephens County. Martin is located in Stephens County, but is on the Franklin County line. Franklin Springs is on the opposite side of Franklin County from Martin. The store doesn’t have a presence in Banks County. “We’re praying that the Lord would hook up an opportunity for one of our churches to lead one in Banks County.” Lavonia is another area he’d like to expand to.
Defoor concluded that working together shows that we are His disciples, we love one another, and we are one church united to share His love.
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