The Toy Chest Children's Charity

Deb Bryant photo for Toy Chest website.j

OUR TEAM

Ron Gray, Founder & President, Board of Directors

"The Toy Chest has become about so much more than a toy. It's not only been a catalyst to joy for thousands of KY kids over the past decade, but a way so many more have found to serve their communities. It's become a phenomenal service learning experience for families all across KY."

Christian Stevenson, Vice President, Board of Directors

Digital Transformation and Business Systems Manager, Tempur-Sealy

With three decades of steadfast commitment to community service in central Kentucky, Christian serves as the Vice President on the Board of Directors at The Toy Chest. His expansive background in children-specific initiatives, such as The Bluegrass Miracle League and Coats for Kids, showcases his unwavering dedication to the welfare of children. As a former board member of the Rotary Club of Lexington, Christian's leadership has always been underpinned by a commitment to excellence and community engagement.

Drawn to The Toy Chest by a community of remarkable individuals passionate about enhancing central Kentucky for all its residents, Christian's personal drive aligns seamlessly with the organization's mission. As they set their eyes on the future, their vision for The Toy Chest is clear: to bolster the hardworking individuals that form the heart of the organization, broaden its reach, and ensure that as many children as possible experience the joy of receiving a toy during the Christmas season. In his role, Christian is not just leading; he and the Toy Chest are making a lasting imprint on countless young lives.

LeAnn Gray-Carrier, Secretary, Board of Directors

Claims Adjustor, Texas Roadhouse

"Looking into my own daughters eyes and seeing her big smile when she knows The Toy Chest is going to make a small difference in a child’s life is my inspiration."

Kellie Wheatley Stadler, Treasurer, Board of Directors

Accountant

"I was hooked after my first Christmas volunteering for The Toy Chest! It is a wonderful thing when multiple people give a little to help so many others in need, especially children. I am thankful to be part of an amazing group of people who care so much about making a difference."

Sarah Bosso-Pickering

Sarah Pickering has been serving on the Toy Chest Board since 2013 and has helped spread our Toy Chest reach further into Eastern KY by living in the Winchester area with her husband Carl (who tirelessly contributes efforts to the Toy Chest each year too!) and their dog Monty and cat Kitty Poppins. Sarah thrives on giving back and being a part of her community, its been part of her professional life and personal life since she can remember. Sarah works in the corporate sector as a Practice Director for Robert Half Lexington for the last 5 years, worked for 8 years in Minor League Baseball—expanding her community efforts reach professionally, and is a graduate of the University of Missouri and University of Kentucky.

Dr. Deb Bryant, DNP, RN, Board of Directors

Nurse Executive

"I have a lot of passions, including my three grandchildren & family, nursing and travel."

Amy Friskney

Julie Greene, Board of Directors

Registered Nurse

"I feel so fortunate to be a part of The Toy Chest team. To partner with such a dedicated group of volunteers, to see the way the community comes together to help children and their families, and to see it done with so much love is inspiring. Truly, the joy is in the giving."

Lanni Griffin, Board of Directors

Business Analyst

"I'm a high-energy business analyst with a focus on finance and accounting. I became involved with the Toy Chest after moving to KY a couple years ago. I strive to be a person of value, rather than a person of success. The Toy Chest provides me an opportunity to do this. I can't say enough about being involved with children's service organizations."

Dr. Jessica Henry, DNP, FNP-BC, Board of Directors

Nurse Practitioner

"Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Her quote inspires me to continue advocating for our most vulnerable citizens."

Logan Nance, Board of Directors

Midway City Council

"As the local rep for Scholastic, I have worked to ensure that every child in our community has access to books in their schools and homes. I am honored to join the board of directors of the Toy Chest because I believe every child should be able to wake up on Christmas morning with something waiting for them under the tree."

Cherlynn Stevenson, Board of Directors

Kentucky House Representative, 88th District

"The ability to spread light and love to impoverished children via the Toy Chest is a natural extension of the service to which I have devoted my life. I am a native Kentuckian, committed to the well-being of those in my immediate community and throughout the great Commonwealth. I live in Lexington, but grew up in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, where I witnessed the needs of children, like the Toy Chest serves, on a daily basis."

Priscilla K. Gray, Honorary Board of Directors (deceased 2017)

Founding Board Member, 2012-2017

We lost our Mother on February 23, 2017. Our Mother was a founding board member of the Toy Chest and instrumental in developing and supporting many of our service projects. She loved to be active in all aspects of the Toy Chest, but particularly the domestic violence project where we provide welcome bags to kids entering shelters.We are honored to name her an Honorary member of the Board of Directors.

We are also excited the Toy Chest created a service learning grant in our Mother's name, called the Priscilla K. Gray Service Learning Grant. The Toy Chest will award a service grant to a high school student or group of students up to $1,500 annually.

The grant will be used to fund a service project developed and implemented by Kentucky students. Submission criteria will include a short essay detailing the service idea, objective(s), implementation, and evaluation plans.

This is a unique service learning opportunity to foster service values in KY children and give them a platform to serve other children in their own communities.

The service learning grant will honor our Mother's legacy of commitment to her family, community and children all over KY.

Ron Gray

LeAnn Gray-Carrier

Co-Chairs, Priscilla K. Gray Service Learning Grant Committee

TOY CHEST

THE

CHILDREN'S CHARITY

We are also excited the Toy Chest created a service learning grant in our Mother's name, called the Priscilla K. Gray Service Learning Grant. The Toy Chest will award a service grant to a high school student or group of students up to $1,500 annually.

The grant will be used to fund a service project developed and implemented by Kentucky students. Submission criteria will include a short essay detailing the service idea, objective(s), implementation, and evaluation plans.

This is a unique service learning opportunity to foster service values in KY children and give them a platform to serve other children in their own communities.

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We are also excited the Toy Chest created a service learning grant in our Mother's name, called the Priscilla K. Gray Service Learning Grant. The Toy Chest will award a service grant to a high school student or group of students up to $1,500 annually.

The grant will be used to fund a service project developed and implemented by Kentucky students. Submission criteria will include a short essay detailing the service idea, objective(s), implementation, and evaluation plans.

This is a unique service learning opportunity to foster service values in KY children and give them a platform to serve other children in their own communities.

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