Iowa City project continues ‘toy redistribution,’ seeks donations

World would possibly really feel ‘a little bit extra regular,’ however households are nonetheless struggling’

A set of donated toys the “IC Toy Redistribution“ challenge amassed in its first 12 months in 2020. (Supplied by Mandi Remington, director of Hall Group Motion Community)

IOWA CITY — Stemming from one native youngster’s COVID-era concern that Christmas could be canceled, Iowa Metropolis-area nonprofits in fall 2020 launched a “toy redistribution” initiative that they’re reviving this 12 months at the same time as pandemic-related fears have waned.

“We acknowledge that whereas the world would possibly really feel a little bit extra ‘regular,’ households are nonetheless struggling,” organizers of the “IC Toy Redistribution” challenge stated concerning the transfer to repeat the trouble this vacation season. “We’re bringing again the IC Toy Redistribution Mission as a method to supply redistributed free toys to whoever can use them.”

The challenge — a collaboration of Hall Group Motion Community, The LENA Mission, Iowa Metropolis-based social justice advocate Anne Ventullo and others, with monetary backing from Velvet Lotus Tattoo — will look a bit totally different this 12 months.

In 2020 — because of the state of the pandemic in the course of the initiative’s first go — taking part households browsed from toys pictured on-line, and organizers made particular person pickup preparations. The challenge this 12 months will announce redistribution places.

Websites, occasions, and dates haven’t been unveiled but — as organizers stay in toy-collection mode, hoping to function many as attainable.

“All toys are free. There are not any necessities for taking part and no questions requested,” in line with the web site, which concedes, “Relying on availability, we might must restrict the variety of toys (per) household.”

To that finish, organizers are urging donation of “high quality, used toys” — committing to do a minimum of among the work to organize them to be gifted.

“Assess if the toy is one thing you’ll’ve been excited to unwrap your self as a toddler,” in line with the redistribution website. “If the toy is in dangerous form, skip it. If it’s a top quality toy, we’re excited to redistribute it!

“Some toys might have a little bit of TLC. If a toy is sort of in good situation, however wants a little bit of a wash down, please do that at dwelling earlier than donating.”

The crew has arrange an internet donation course of, asking group members to make use of a type describing what they plan to present and when.

Though the thought emerged from considerations round households struggling financially, the challenge additionally goals to curb consumerism and assist the setting.

“They purpose to re-imagine vacation purchasing, offering inexpensive (free!) toy presents whereas lowering consumerism and waste,” in line with a information launch.

And the drive is taking monetary presents as effectively, to maintain the challenge getting into subsequent years.

“Moreover, the group want to steadiness out toy redistribution by together with vacation meal help and presents for teenagers and adults when wanted,” in line with challenge officers. “So reward playing cards to grocery shops, Walmart, Goal, shoe shops, app factors, malls, film theaters, artwork provide shops, and many others. are significantly appreciated as effectively.”

Two pairs of child curler skates donated to the primary “IC Toy Redistribution” challenge in 2020. (Hall Group Motion Community)

Vanessa Miller covers increased training for The Gazette.

Feedback: (319) 339-3158; vanessa.miller@thegazette.com