Greetings, Learning Expressions Readers!
This coming week, Learning Express stores around the country are running a campaign that combines two of my very favorite things: shopping and philanthropy.
Many of you will have heard of the One-for-One Movement run by the company Toms Shoes. After visiting Argentina and realizing how many children had no shoes to protect their feet, Toms founder Blake Mycoskie decided something had to be done. These days, the company matches every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need.
We couldn’t help but think what a
wonderful initiative this is. Inspired by this
act of service, the team at
Learning Express set out to do a one-for-one movement of our own. Children’s
work is their play, and toys are unquestionably their tools. As part of this
project, we wanted to help get toys into the hands of as many underprivileged
children as possible, thereby enriching their lives and helping them grow,
learn, and thrive. And so the Toy for Toy Campaign was born.
Today we are delighted to announce that the Toy for Toy Campaign will kick off this coming Saturday at Learning Express toy stores nationwide. From Saturday, October 6 – Saturday, October 13, toy manufacturer Melissa & Doug will donate toys to the nonprofit Room to Grow every time one of their toys is purchased at a Learning Express store.
Room to Grow assists low income parents during a child’s critical first three years of development, and we are thrilled to help benefit their cause. During their quarterly visits, parents receive developmental information, customized support, and all of the needed baby items to ensure a healthy and secure start for their child. Educational toys and games are also given out, many of which will now be provided by Melissa & Doug.
When we chatted with our friends at Melissa & Doug about
this joint venture, they told us, “We know that playtime can have a huge
positive impact on a child’s life, especially during the critical early years.
That’s why we’re proud to partner with Learning Express on this year’s Toy for
Toy campaign, which provides Room to Grow with toys that will help children
born into poverty. We believe that creative play is the birthright of all
children—and the best possible way to develop important life skills, discover
new ways of thinking, and have fun!” We couldn’t agree more!
Happy Toy for Toying everyone – and a huge thank you to Melissa & Doug for their partnership and generosity!
Talk to you again soon!
