Greetings, Learning Expressions Readers!
As both Ebenezer Scrooge and the Grinch have proven, the holiday season can melt even the hardest of hearts. A Holiday Giving Survey conducted by Edge Research showed that 74% of adults plan to participate in charitable-giving during the holiday season, largely because it is a time of year in which donors are most inclined to assist those less fortunate than themselves. The number one reason donors gave for their beneficence was, “The holidays are a time to be thankful for what you have, and give to those who need it.”
While we at Learning Express Toys are big supporters of holiday-induced philanthropy, a cornerstone of the Learning Express philosophy is year-round giving. From the day CEO Sharon DiMinico founded Learning Express, she committed to making civic fundraising a cornerstone of the brand. “While charitable giving may peak during the holidays, need knows no time of year—it endures no matter what the season,” DiMinico says. “Through year round civic fundraising efforts, our Learning Express stores consistently assist the communities in which they dwell. For our store owners, giving back is a fundamental part of the Learning Express Toys experience.”
Today I’d like to put the spotlight on a few of our fabulous store owners and highlight the amazing kind of work they do!
Grand Openings
If any of you have attended a Learning Express grand opening, you’ll know it’s quite an event! We have special visits from Elmo and Dora, hourly giveaways, storewide discounts, and even stilt walkers and balloon artists! What you may not realize is that each grand opening weekend also benefits a local charity.
When the Cassino family opened up Learning Express of Hamilton, NJ back in July, they decided to benefit Ryan’s Quest. Ryan’s Quest was founded by David and Maria Schultz after they found out their son Ryan had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a fatal disorder for which there is no cure or treatment. As part of their grand opening, the Cassinos hosted a fundraising night in which 20% of the profits were given to the charity – and then matched the amount raised by their shoppers that night to double their donation. This month, the Cassinos are hosting another fundraiser to benefit Ryan’s Quest and hope to continue to benefit the charity for many years to come.
Schools and Hospitals
From the day Peter and Jennifer Dressel opened the doors of their Learning Express stores (located in Huntersville, NC and Charlotte, NC) they made a commitment to give back. Throughout the year, Peter and Jennifer hold benefits for local schools and the local children’s hospital.
Learning Express frequently donates gift cards and merchandise to school fundraisers, and also hosts popular “School Shopping Nights” within the community—with 15% of sales generated from that evening going back to the school in question. This year, Learning Express of Huntersville hosted a benefit weekend for Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital, with 10% of all sales donated to the hospital. “We’re a locally owned toy tore that supports our community 100%,” said Dressel. “We’re here to provide high quality toys, but we’re also here to give back in any way we can.”
Scholarships
In 2010, Learning Express of Columbia, SC implemented the Creative Scholar Award Contest. The scholarship competition offers and opportunity for local children entering grades 4-6 to express their individual creativity, imagination, and self-expression. Each year, the winner receives a US Savings Bond worth $500 to put towards their education.
Owner John Hutto remarks, “At Learning Express is committed to helping families raise smart, healthy kids. Many of our toys foster developmental growth and open-ended play, which leaves room for a child’s own creativity—arguably the finest form of self expression. With the Creative Scholar Award we want to acknowledge and celebrate the uniqueness and diversity every child brings to the community.”
Fundraising for Community Members in Need
Warren Low, owner of Learning Express of Baldwin Place, NY, constantly strives to assist families and children in need within his community. For the last two years Learning Express has raised money for 9-year-old customer Jake, who suffers from Leukemia. Back in September, the store hosted the second annual “Jake the Snake Day.” They had a Myachi tournament (which Jake won!), Orb Factory crafts, and a milk tasting contest. In October, Baldwin Place also hosted a Crafts for a Cure to benefit Jake and The Children’s Cancer fund. Craft tables were set up and run by sales associates, and Warren auctioned off a tower of Lego and a tower of other popular games.
I hope you've enjoyed learning a little bit more about what Learning Express stores do all year round to give back! Though the Grinch's heart may be three sizes too small 11 months out of the year, our store owners know it is ALWAYS the season to be generous! And, if there is a charity you would like to raise funds for, contact your local Learning Express store. We wish you the happiest of holidays!
Talk to you again soon!
