Sunday was a Christmas shopping day courtesy of the Big Rock Tavern

This young man and many other children shopped for Christmas on Sunday.

Seven-year old Aiden looked high and low for just the right gift on Sunday during Big Rock Tavern’s shopping day at Walmart.

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) -When asked what inspired him and his wife Leigh to provide Christmas to upwards of a hundred kids, Carl Blankenship’s response came without hesitation.  “I was a poor kid when I was little,” he said.  That’s the reason Blankenship, owner of the Big Rock Tavern, said they sponsored Sunday’s event.

It was fun following seven-year old Aiden around the toy section at Walmart on Sunday afternoon while he shopped.

Carl Blankenship of the Big Rock Tavern (left) and Tony Calandrow (right) with Sugar Hollow Marina share a laugh as they help during Sunday’s shopping event hosted by the Big Rock Tavern.

The Blankenships let this group of children, students and their siblings from La Follette Elementary School, shop for an hour at the Jacksboro Walmart.  Carl said, “Everyone on the list showed up, and we even let their younger brothers and sisters shop.  It just wouldn’t be right not include them.”

Aiden (left) briefly thought about buying some clothes rather than toys when suggested by his mother Samantha (right), but he decided to keep on shopping for toys.

Aiden made quick work in his selections in under 20-minutes coming away with a Hot Wheels, bike helmet and drone.

Pam Jefferies with La Follette Elementary School visits with Carl Blankenship of Big Rock Tavern as youngsters ring up their gifts as Cash Register 7 at Walmart.

Carl Blankenship said, “I’ll never forget riding that Shriner’s bus to the circus when I was a kid.  That’s why I am also a big contributor to the Kerbella Shrine; probably the biggest donor in the state.”  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/09/2019-6AM)