RNR franchisee brings Christmas cheer to Mayfield kids

PADUCAH, Ky. — Santa got a little help from an RNR Tire Express franchise to brighten Christmas for children impacted by the December tornado that ripped through Mayfield, Ky.

Justin Lee, store manager of the RNR Tire store in Paducah, and his father-in law, Gary Toon "wanted to make sure that Santa made his way to the kids in Mayfield this year," according to RNR.

A line of tornadoes and severe weather left a path of destruction in eight states the weekend of Dec. 10, but it particularly devastated Mayfield, a town of 10,000 in southwest Kentucky, destroying homes and businesses.

The store collected toys and monetary donations from customers, neighbors and friends in the weeks before Christmas.

The RNR store, owned by franchisee Larry Carrico, allowed customers who rent tires and wheels from the franchise to participate.

Instead of monetary weekly tire payments, RNR collected new toys as payment and the company waived the weekly fee.

"For example, if someone's weekly tire rental payment was $40, instead of paying with actual cash, customers brought in a brand new toy for $40 instead," according to RNR.

Other donations came in via word-of-mouth and Facebook posts.

Mr. Lee said he was able to deliver "hundreds" of toys to displaced kids and families in the Mayfield before Christmas.