OneSource Center for Nonprofit Excellence sponsored five regional Toys for Tots distributions in the Greater Cincinnati area throughout July and August. From monster trucks to balls to princesses to ride-on toys, boys and girls from all over the Tri-state area felt a little bit of the holiday feeling in the 90-degree summer heat.
OneSource Center held their toy distribution as part of a Christmas in July event at its headquarters in Queensgate. The event was in conjunction with the opening of their Furniture Bank to the public for the first time in its 36-year-history.
“This is the second year we’ve been able to partner with Good 360 and Toys for Tots on toy distributions around the Greater Cincinnati area,” said Christie Brown OneSource CEO, “This year we invited the public to our headquarters, which was a lot of fun to open our doors to a different audience, and to see the joy on the children’s faces when they found a toy they really wanted!”
Families from surrounding neighborhoods including Westwood, Price Hill, Mt. Auburn, and Avondale, and as far away as Liberty Township and Wilder, KY came to participate.
London Coleman from Westwood brought her 3-year-old son, who picked out his own toys, including a monster truck. “My son always wants toys and I can’t afford them. This is so helpful. It’s perfect timing cause it’s been hard times, and this helps so much,” said Coleman.
Harlie Roberson from East Walnut Hills brought her 7-year-old girl and 5-year-old boy to pick out their own toys. “I get to let them do their own little shopping for the holidays,” said the mother of two. They left with a monkey, fairy, dinosaur dig kit, and a few books.
Mindy Calderon from the Price Hill Neighborhood brought her three daughters who really got into the “Christmas” spirit, donning their Christmas dresses. “It’s so nice to be able to do something for them,” said Calderon. “They each picked out some princesses and loved the donuts! I also found a desk [to buy] for my daughter to use for homeschooling [at the Furniture Bank].”
Four additional Unplug and Play Toys for Tots distributions were also coordinated with BDK and the Reds Community Fund. Thousands of toys and hundreds of people came to the events throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. This is the second year OneSource Center has teamed up with Good360 and Toys for Tots Marines Foundation to give toys to local children.
