Girl gives allowance to help others at Christmas

Dave Heller accepts Paisley Stevens' donation of $85 for the CBA Toy Store. Paisley's mother, Ash-Leigh Hewitt Stevens, thought Paisley was saving up for an iPhone.
Dave Heller accepts Paisley Stevens' donation of $85 for the CBA Toy Store. Paisley's mother, Ash-Leigh Hewitt Stevens, thought Paisley was saving up for an iPhone. (CBA photo)

The Columbus Baptist Association has a Toy Store every year at Christmas for families in need. Toys can be purchased for just pennies on a dollar, and help provide gifts to children who may not otherwise have a Christmas.  

One little girl in particular wanted to help with the endeavor.  

Paisley Stevens had been saving her allowance for what her mother thought was an iPhone. Imagine her surprise when the little girl handed over $85 to Rev. Dave Heller at the Toy Store. She said the money was for Santa to help get toys for children who wouldn’t have any this Christmas.  

Heller took to Facebook on the Columbus Baptist Association page to thank Paisley and her mother. 

“Thank you, Paisley, and thank you Mom, Ash-Leigh Hewett Stevens, for raising your daughter to have love and compassion for others! This made my day!” he said.  

The Toy Store served 118 families with 324 children this year, and 6 adults were saved through the ministry. The CBA partnered with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Greene, the Military Vet Riders Association, and Columbus Regional Healthcare to sponsor this year’s event.  

Pleasant Plains Baptist Church hosted the Toy Store, and the event had over 150 volunteers. Plans for next year’s store will begin in May. 

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