MILTON — A Berryhill Elementary School third-grader is the force behind a campus-wide toy drive to benefit Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tenn., fire victims.
A 3-acre fire started Nov. 23 in the Chimney Tops of the Great Smoky Mountains and grew to 17,006 acres in Sevier County, creating the most damage in Gatlinburg, according to news reports. Fourteen died and the fire destroyed or damaged over 1,700 residential and commercial structures.
Wyatt Misenar’s mother, Pamela, said she was watching the news and didn't think her son was paying attention to the fire coverage.
"He looked up asked what was going on. I explained what it was," she said.
When he heard the phrase “people losing everything," Misenar said her son became concerned about Gatlinburg children having a bad Christmas. He then said something must be done.
He visited BES Principal Roger Golden’s office and shared his idea to collect toys for the fire’s survivors.
"I thought about those kids losing their stuff,” Wyatt said. “They had to get out quick … I thought I had to do something. I had to go to Mr. Golden."
"He is a very caring kid,” Misenar said. “He wears his heart on his sleeve. He doesn't like to see anybody upset or hurting in any way, but these are kids he's never met before … he doesn't know their names. I was so surprised … His dad (Joey Misenar) and I are so proud."
Darla Dunn, the school’s counselor, said she was surprised at the quick community response. The drive started Monday and she was filling multiple boxes daily including a large appliance box.
The school has also received monetary donations: $100 from Quality Paint and Body, $100 from attorney Randy Werre, and $150 from Bill Wade for more toys. Trane, the heating and cooling company, will ship the donations to Toys For Tots of Sevier County.
Wyatt said he is happy with what the school has received but he would like to see 1,000 more toys.
"I want to keep on doing great work," he said.
As for Wyatt’s Christmas wish list? He hopes for the video game Lego Dimensions.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 'I had to do something'