The Light of the City program received an early Christmas delivery of more than 700 gifts, thanks to the family and friends of Ty Drinkard and Blayne Shackelford. The two families joined forces to sponsor the fourth annual Toy Drive in memory of Drinkard and Shackelford, who were involved in a fatal car crash in June 2020.
The drive was supported by several organizations, schools, businesses, as well as countless individuals who collected and donated toys, games, books, bicycles, and much more.

The boys’ moms — Daphne Stamps and Elizabeth Koziol — said giving back to the community is a way to remember their sons and to be a beacon of light during the holidays. “We are honored to be able to give back to the community our boys grew up in and loved so very much. The support we are shown each year is a testament to the legacy Blayne and Ty left behind,” Shackelford’s mother Elizabeth Koziol said.

“We can only assume Blayne and Ty’s earthly light shone so brightly that God needed them more than us. We know they are the light in the stars in God’s kingdom but their light shines in each of you. So, we hope for many years to come we all can share a story of our extraordinary boys while giving to the community that grieves with us,” Drinkard’s mom Daphne Stamps said. “Thank you to every person, business, and organization that donated. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and that you always #shinethelight.”

In addition to supporting Light of the City, the families made a Christmas delivery to the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center (CARE House) in Summerdale. Throughout the year, The B.S. Foundation and The Ty Foundation also contribute to local schools and special projects and award scholarships. The toy drive and the annual giving programs are supported through donations as well as fundraisers sponsored by the Foundations.

Both families offered their sincere thanks to the community for its generous support of their efforts and for honoring Ty and Blayne with their donations. “We love and appreciate you all and will continue to shine the light of our beautiful boys,” Koziol said.

Light of the City meets on the campus of the Douglasville School of Arts & Recreation in Bay Minette, offering a free day camp during the summer months and after-school tutoring and enrichment programs throughout the school year.