A few weeks ago we visited the Big Apple to receive an honor that our friends at World Vision nominated us for. The award was the Community Action Hero Award which is an outpouring of support and recognition from toy company Hasbro and GenerationOn (a subsidiary of Points of Light Institute). We saw celebrities there, Riley accepted her award from actress Sigorney Weaver, and took photos with director Spike Lee. It was a great time, and we felt very honored in being recognized for community action.
News Coverage: Why Children Give and Need Toys
The reporters at Patriot News, including author Sheri Melnick, surprised us with a telephone call to do a follow up story on our organization and the recent trip to the Art of Giving Gala. They really did a nice job to capture the story and great quotes regarding Riley’s Toys Foundation. It really is a great article and we do appreciate the coverage. Read it here.. 7 Year Old’s Foundation Sends Toys to Children in Africa.
Today: The Summer Toy-Drive is in Full Swing
This brings us to the Summer Toy-Drive, which is going on now. Each year, since the organization was founded, we’ve set goals to collect and send toys to orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) in need. We’ve work hard not lose sight of the initial motivation and questions that started Riley’s Toys Foundation; “Why don’t they have toys Momma,” and “Can you send them my toys?”
We can only do so much without the gracious support of our friends, networks, supporters, and sponsors. The Summer Toy-Drive is the one time of the year that we release ourselves to aggressively pursue our giving goals with your help. We ask that you please consider making Riley’s Toys’ beneficiaries part of your giving plans this year.
You can help by making a cash donation securely through our PayPal Account, you can also find a drop-off location near. You can even host a drop-off location at your business or place of gathering; or, support us through volunteering we need regular help sorting the donated toys for delivery, among other jobs – contact us if either of these forms of giving appeal to you.
Our goals are not about getting, as much as they are about giving. We invite you to join us in this endeavor by opening your heart this summer during our toy-drive. When you support RTF you create a smile of hope for OVCs in orphanages, in AIDS camps, or in impoverished areas (like Lethoso/ Darfur, Sudan).
These children often battle feeling forgotten. They struggle, feeling unsure about their place in this world, and many are without the funds to purchase such luxuries as toys. But we believe these children are not forgotten, and are worthy of all the things that make childhood such a nurturing and enjoyable period of life, including toys.
Please give today. Our friends in other places will no doubt thank you for your generosity tomorrow.
