Differently Abled Toy Drive Kicks-off Begins

PRLog (Press Release) - Oct 01, 2009 -
Now in its’ second year, the TLC Mobility Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit presents the Differently-Abled Toy Drive campaign, which kicks-off October 1st through December 17th. The public can support this campaign by buying toys on the Internet at www.tlcmobility.org during this time. Supporters do not need to go to the store, bring them anywhere, or worry about shipping of the toys. Once the toys are purchased on the Internet all toys automatically go directly to the foundation. The toys are then bulk-purchased by TLC Mobility Foundation and given to children based upon their specific special needs. Through the use of the Internet, some of the most significant cost are minimized or eliminated such as– staff, gas, storage, and shipping. “Choosing toys, specifically for children with special needs, is not always easy. All to often children with special needs receive stuffed animals, generic clothing, or nothing all. The Differently Abled Toy Drive provides donators a platform for easier gift-giving, as well as provides us the ability to give children with special needs fun and learning toys based upon their specific cognitive, communicative, physical, or sensory special needs categories, says Lisa Hamilton-Johnson, President of TLC Mobility Foundation.”

For those who may not be computer users or the computer is just not convenient, for as little as $1 a donation card can be purchased at participating business locations, which are listed at www.tlcmobilty.org or call 561.929.8950 for the nearest donation card location. As part of the campaign, the conclusion of the toy drive culminates with a community holiday party on Sunday, December 27, 2009 at the Mission Bay Plaza in Boca Raton, Florida to distribute the toys to special needs children and promote the participation and involvement (inclusion) for all children with and without disabilities. Planned activities includes: storytelling, face painting, Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus, and arts & crafts and more. Parents, care-givers and loved ones can register a special needs to receive a gift by going to www.tlcmobility.org for application and further details.

The campaign looks to go beyond the disability stigma and focus on the ability of these children by bringing awareness and much needed support. There is an estimated 4 million children and adolescents in the United States under 18 years of age, having disabilities, according to the Disability Statistic Center; the need is greater than ever. Physical challenges may range from specific medical conditions or illnesses, to developmental delays or a mental disorder. The physical challenge may be visible or invisible, known or unknown. It may be apparent at birth or emerge, as the child grows older. It may come later as a result of an injury or illness. “Many of the toys for special needs children are the same for those without special needs. However, we feel there is a gap that should be filled,” said Lisa Hamilton-Johnson, President. Toys for children with special needs require evaluation to match the varying abilities of each child. We identify all toys given based on the child’s cognitive, communicative, physical or sensory special need. Parents and care-givers who would like for their children to receive a gift should go to our website at www.tlcmobility.org for application and further details.