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Toy Drive Celebrates Life Of Boy Killed At Parade

By GEORGE WILKENS

gwilkens@tampatrib.com

Published: November 27, 2008

PLANT CITY - Johnny Knotts' business will soon resemble more of a toy shop than the hardware store it has been for 75 years.

Again this holiday, Knotts Trading & Supply is a collection center for Jordan's Wish, a toy drive to provide Christmas gifts for needy children.

The drive was spurred by the Dec. 7, 2007, death of Jordan "Booka" Hays, crushed beneath the wheels of a church float while helping distribute candy during the Plant City Christmas Parade.

Knotts, whose downtown Plant City business is a half-block from the accident scene, was among the first to reach the fatally injured 9-year-old.

"I want people to remember not the accident, but to remember this young little child who was full of life," Knotts said.

Jordan's Wish was created in December by his parents, Jerry and Connie Hays of Inverness.

"Last year my whole store looked like Toys R Us," said Knotts, third-generation owner-operator of the store.

The 25th annual Plant City Christmas Parade on Dec. 5 is the drive's official kickoff, but Knotts will accept new unwrapped gifts for children of any age whenever his store is open through Dec. 22.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

WHAT: Jordan's Wish toy drive

WHEN: Donations can be dropped off from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 22.

WHERE: Knotts Trading & Supply, 314 S. Collins St., Plant City

CONTACT: (813) 752-3497

Reporter George Wilkens can be reached at (813) 865-4433.

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