Heather Gray the Executive Director of Joy Closet appeared on WHOP News on Monday to spotlight some new programs and activities the nonprofit is hosting to support foster and kinship families.
Joy Closet is a Hopkinsville based nonprofit focused on supporting foster care children, families and children in crisis in the Pennyrile region by providing them with need-based donated items such as clothing, toys and sanitary products.
Gray shared that they have started the Christmas Assistance Program for families that need an extra bit of help providing gifts for their children. Gray says around 25 families have sent her their wish lists and she is looking for folks who want to help buy gifts for them.
To start 2025, Joy Closet will be hosting its first ever Hopkinsville Lip Sync Battle. The battle will include six teams going head-to-head. The Hopkinsville Fire Department will go against the Hopkinsville Police Department; Hopkinsville High School will take on Christian County High School and United Southern Back will compete against H&R Agri-Power. Gray says they may be inviting a couple of more competitors.
Gray says each team will raise funds and the group that raises the most money will be crowned as the Community Favorite During the battle attendees can vote for their favorite performance and the team to receive the most votes will be crowned as Fan Favorite.
Tickets bundles will go on sale on Friday and individual tickets go on sale on January 1. Funds raised by the lip sync battle will go toward the Hope House which is under construction.
The Hope House is where children who have been removed from their homes will be placed while workers from the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) find them temporary placements.
Further into next year, Gray says they are already preparing for Mother and Son Nerf Wars on March 8. She says tickets are set to be on sale before Christmas.
To stay up to date on Joy Closet events visit the nonprofit’s Facebook. Those interested in providing Christmas assistance to a family in need can contact Joy Closet at 270-632-1232.