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There's an entire rant building in me regarding global warming, super-storms and the end of the Mayan calendar on December 21, 2012 (which, not-so-conincidentally, is the date of planetary alignment with our galactic center). However, such a long-winded column is not really the place for Collector Times. And, regardless of my fears for an impending apocalypse, there's no one who could argue that there isn't tragedy in the world right now.
It's no secret that I never quite grew out of my fascination with toys. But that's partially because I was lucky enough to have toys as a child. I grew up owning boxes of toys and while I never got the G.I. Joe Aircraft Carrier in my youth, I can't say that I really wanted for toys. Nor were my toys ever taken from me due to tragedy. I was one of the lucky ones.
Across the world, however, some kids aren't nearly as lucky as me or, maybe, you. So, it is with that thought in mind that I write my piece for this month for this website. While there are many ways one can help their society, the idea of toys is often overlooked outside of, perhaps, the winter holiday season. Any day of the year, though, there are children who could really could use the joy and idea-spark that toys bring. And there are many ways to help children receive toys.
Kids In Distressed Situations, Inc., or K.I.D.S., is an organization that specializes in distributing toys and clothing to children in need. While their focus is primarily US-based, they still manage to help children worldwide. Their online donation form also makes record-keeping easy for tax-deduction purposes.
Gifts In Kind is a worldwide charity organization that focuses on company-based donations. One of their contributors? Mattel Toys, in association with the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI). So, if you're a company CEO, CFO or other departmental head, maybe you'd want to take a leaf from the people who brought us Barbie.
Toys for Tots is probably one of the most well-known and award-winning toy-based charity organizations. This US Marine-run operation typically focuses solely on that famous late-December holiday season, but deserves mention as we are entering that fall/winter season where drop-offs are accepted.
Like Toys for Tots, many local firehouses accept toy donations for the holiday season.
There are many ways to donate and help people who are suffering, specifically to assist children in an important aspect of growth. I've scratched the surface for you and I encourage you to share the joy of toys with children in need. Not just during the holidays or after a tragedy, but any chance you get.
After all, when the world ends in 2012, what do you plan to say to your maker?
-erich
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