Spreading Smiles: Children's Toy Fund, Inc 2025 Impact Report
- Mar 25
- 11 min read
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2025 Impact Report
Big things happen when a community comes together—and in 2025, that spirit of kindness showed up in a big way. From 20,828 toys donated across 64 deliveries, this past year was filled with moments that brought comfort, courage, and smiles to children facing difficult situations across Northeast Ohio. Our 2025 Impact Report is more than numbers—it’s a celebration of people, partnerships, and purpose. Read on to see the difference you helped make.
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
In just the past 3 years, we have had the opportunity to impact over 50,000+ youth across Northeast Ohio! That impact extends further than just the youth receiving a toy—it affects the entire hospital room or situation (mom, dad, caregivers, siblings, case managers, doctors, nurses, etc.). It is incredible to think of what a difference we can make simply by showing up every day and doing what we do. We get to help interrupt all those difficult situations with a smile, hope, and laughter. That role is such a privilege—one that we do not take for granted.
During 2025, we donated 20,828 toys to 13 separate locations in 64 deliveries. Our Be A Friend Program invited 101 youth onto the field of the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Youth Department and Build-A-Bear Workshop came alongside us to craft a memorable day for the participating youth. Separately, we worked with 7 organizations to create 106 blankets, 37 bundles, and 40 cookie jars that went out into the community.
As we head into 2026, we are most excited about pursuing additional community relationships to accomplish what we do on a greater scale. This journey has never been just about us—and we appreciate all the support that allows us to continue impacting youth.
— Ashley Natale, Executive Director
OUR "WHY"
Because it matters. We see it every single time we deliver a donation. The hospital workers and case managers greet us with smiles and, in many cases, hugs and laughter. Because of the support we provide, they have quality items on hand to bring smiles into all the difficult situations they see every day.
Meeting the Need
We provide high quality items that meet the needs of each receiving organization. We ask a lot of questions to ensure we understand what can make a difference in each unique setting. For example, over the years, we have learned that the needs for outpatient can be quite different from those at inpatient.
Staying with Trends
Every year, we track items that have been most requested over the course of the previous year. Our connections keep us informed about additional items that the kids may ask about. Our team stays current with the latest movies and toys to ensure that we have all those “new,” “cool,” or “trending” items.
TOYS DONATED
By Month
In 2025 we donated a total of 20,828 toys!
The Breakdown:
January - 503
February - 576
March - 758
April - 2,146
May - 1,983
June - 2,436
July - 1,155
August - 2,796
September - 761
October - 539
November - 539
December - 5,598
By Category
Of the 20,828 toys donated, the most popular categories were Sensory (23.9%) such as poppers and fidget toys, Stuffed Animals (20%), Crafts (8.2%), Figures (8.2%) like Barbie and superheroes, Characters (8.1%) like Bluey, Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, Outdoor Play (6.1%), board and card Games (4.9%), and Infant & Toddler (4.3%).
By Location
In 2025 we delivered toys to over 13 locations. Our bigger deliveries tend to go to Akron Children's Hospital (8,809 toys) since they treat more children and can store more toys, but we often make multiple small deliveries to various Aultman Hospital locations (totaling 6,768 toys), foster care agencies, fire departments and emergency rooms, and other various community events.
COMMUNITY
Service Projects
Our focus is to bring in high quality items that can bring instant smiles in difficult situations. We often dream of ways to make longer-lasting impacts in the lives of the youth we can reach, but we are unable to do it alone. Service project partnerships allow us to go beyond our mandate of simple toys, comfort items, etc. These projects create a bundle of items that feel more personalized and directed specifically to the youth receiving them. The bundles go beyond providing comfort and smiles by providing hope as well.
During 2025, we worked with Tiqvah Hands of Hope, SheElevates, Orrville Volleyball Team, Manchester High School, Lake High School, and Lake Center Christian School to create 106 tie blankets and 37 blanket bundles that reached foster youth throughout Northeast Ohio. Additionally, youth from CAST (Caring & Serving Together) created and donated 40 cookie jars at Christmas that were bundled with board games for foster youth and families to create memories together. It is through these unique partnerships that we can make a larger impact together.
Summer Bash
This year marked the third year we have supplied Workshop of Wishes (Formerly A Special Wish NEO Chapter) with items for their annual Summer Bash. This event creates a safe environment for their wish families to participate in a fun, carnival-like event just for them.
Although we could not physically be present this year, we provided the following toys to add more fun to the day: Bubble Wands, Stuffed Animals, Meteor Stick Light up Wands, Dino/Volcano Squishies, Mash-Ems, and Collapsible Balls.
To our friends at Workshop of Wishes: Keep up the amazing work making space, bringing joy, and adding support for the youth and families facing difficult situations.
Exceptional Olympics
This marked our second year coming alongside our local Perry Police Department to provide and help distribute brand new, high quality stuffed animals to the athletes of the Stark County Exceptional Olympics.
In our day-to-day work, we often act as a resource to provide other organizations with items to help bring smiles. So this event was special to us, because we loved having the opportunity to see firsthand all the hugs, smiles, and giggles as the youth selected their new furry animal friends and played in the police cruisers.
As we wrapped up the day, our team could not help but smile as we watched the athletes playing with their new furry friends on the Perry High School field during the closing ceremonies. It’s hard to explain the joy of being able to see the direct impact of a donation.
We are grateful for the continued invitation to help alongside our local police department. It is our honor and pleasure to help our mutual community in such an incredible way.
Heal the World (HTW) Kids
In the second quarter of 2025, we received a phone call from Becky Ragon with Ragon Warehouse Sales. She shared the story of her son, Jacob’s, organization, HTW Kids - an initiative for and by kids. Every year, HTW Kids selects different organizations to support. This year, Jacob selected the Children’s Toy Fund for his fundraiser after his younger sibling experienced a hospital stay and received some comforting items - like those we regularly donate to hospitals.
Charitable Gaming (AKA, BINGO!)
During the 2025 bingo fiscal year we saw a total of 19,092 players over 138 sessions with an average of 138 players per night.
Charitable gaming has been an amazing vehicle for our organization to raise consistent funds to be able to provide year-round support to organizations. It is through our patrons’ support that we can make a real difference in the lives of youth across the region. Our patrons are the true heroes in providing joy to the youth, and we are grateful for their continued support.
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS
It is hard to believe that we have been fundraising through charitable gaming for over thirty years! It was our pleasure to give back to the amazing community that has supported us so well over the last three decades. We were absolutely blown away by the 316 patrons who came out to celebrate the evening with us.
The evening was filled with a yummy meal catered by Winking Lizard, community, smiles, and over 100 door prizes ranging from cash, gift cards, big stuffed animals, and free bingo for both a month or year!
To say that we all had a great time is a huge understatement! Despite the busy evening, everyone was excited to be there and cheered others on. We cannot thank our community enough for supporting us over the decades and for being an amazing crowd that we look forward to hanging out with at bingo every week!
BE A FRIEND PROGRAM
Children facing disruptions, trauma, or hospital stays in their everyday lives are carrying more than most of us can imagine. For many of them, fear, isolation, and uncertainty have become the new normal.
But with the Be A Friend Program, our goal is to interrupt that—to jolt the system with kindness.
To bring connection where there’s been distance.
To offer comfort where it’s needed most.
The Be A Friend Program is a unique initiative centered around recognizing and empowering children and teens within our current partner organizations. This program enables them to create a friend to join them on all their life adventures AND make a friend to be a friend to a child or teen in need—a simple, yet powerful, act of kindness. This hands-on experience recognizes and empowers the attendees while bringing comfort to children unable to attend the event.
In partnership with Project KARE, we invited 101 foster and kinship youth and their families to Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium for a meaningful day of fun, connection, and kindness.
For the first time, the event took place on the field and in the stadium locker rooms—transformed into “Choose Me Lockers” by Build-A-Bear Workshop, who brought their entire bear-building experience on site.
Outside, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Youth Department led interactive field games and drills, helping kids build confidence and try new things.
GOLDY the GOAT stayed busy all day spreading joy, while Bearamy joined later for even more smiles.
A special moment came when Hall of Famer Ronde Barber and his wife built a heartfelt set of bears to be gifted to a child who loves football at Akron Children’s Hospital.
This year marked a meaningful step forward in both size and impact—and a beautiful reminder that when youth are encouraged and supported, they rise.
Our hope is that the youth who participated walk away knowing they have the power to create change—and that the children who receive these bears feel seen, supported, and not alone.
Because those quiet sparks of hope - They matter.
Sponsors
CHAMPION SPONSORS
Fastenal & Lancaster Bingo Company
FRIEND SPONSORS
East Central Ohio Building & Construction Trades Council, Jes Richardson | State Farm Agent, Laborer's Local 1015, and T&M Merchandising
Participating Stores
Pro Football Hall of Fame (Youth Department), Build-A-Bear Workshop, Heggy's Nut Shop, The Pizza Oven, Smoosh Cookies, Hall of Fame Village.
Get Involved
This event is rooted in community. From planning to execution, every detail came together through the shared efforts of incredible partners. It’s a dream far bigger than just us, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it real.
If you or your business would like to help grow the impact of this program, we’re currently seeking sponsors and community partners for 2026. We’d love to connect!
HOLIDAY GIVING
Walmart Takeover
Throughout the year, our team primarily sources directly through manufacturers, local stores, and online. But once each year, we send a group of around 30 people into our local Wal-mart. The group brings together members of our team and community connections to select a more diverse set of toys that will be sent in our largest donation of the year to Akron Children’s Hospital. This year, our shoppers ranged in age from 6 years old to 74 years old, which allowed us to draw from a wide spectrum of experience/personality and collect an amazing variety of toys on our big shopping trip. Decked out in our festive holiday hats, we shopped for a couple hours, before checking out with a total of 985 toys. The employees of the Canton Walmart on Tuscarawas were amazing partners that helped us smoothly handle such a large purchase. We left with a great mix of toys, including things like legos, crafts, dolls, action figures, board games, and pretend play items. Some unique finds this year were the “live” pets and giant character dolls from Harry Potter and Wizard of Oz.
Castle Build
After the Walmart Takeover our team and a group of volunteers sorted each toy by category for inventory purposes... and then we built a GIANT toy castle, before packing all the toys into boxes for their final destination of Akron Children’s Hospital. Thank you to CAST and Project Rebuild for aiding us in a epic day of community, team work, and laughter. The extra helping hands made such a difference for our team.
Delivery Day
Every year, we make our largest donation close to the holidays, so that Santa has no shortage of toys to choose from when he shows up to brighten the day of patients at Akron Children’s Hospital. This year, we loaded a Penske Truck with 5,037 amazing toys, including the ones from the Walmart takeover and other great items we sourced in advance. We always brainstorm with the volunteer team at the hospital so we can be sure to send items that will make the greatest impact. This year, we were fortunate to have extra help unloading the mountain of toys. Navy officers jumped in and turned the efforts into a very efficient assembly line. Another exciting addition to the delivery was the presence of Bob Jones with Channel 5 news. Their coverage captured so many amazing moments - unloading the truck, an interview with Ashley, and our team members getting the chance to hand out toys to patients in their hospital beds. The toys we donated came in time for Christmas, but they will last far past that. The donation helps Akron Children’s Hospital all the way through Spring, when we plan to return with more toys to restock their shelves.
Operation Fluff
Operation Fluff is our annual initiative where we ask for monetary donations from our community so we can source even more brand-new, high quality stuffed animals into the arms of children at Akron Children’s Hospital for Christmas.
We truly appreciate the donations we received from our bingo patrons, online supporters, and groups within our community! A special thank you to Lake High School Honor Society in Uniontown for raising over $330.
In total, we raised $1,135 dollars for 75 stuffed animals. We matched that to make it $2,270 for 150 stuffed animals!
We ordered all stuffed animals directly from our friends at Douglas Cuddle Toys to ensure they are allergen-free for sensitive kids. These stuffed animals were then a part of our 5,037 donation to Akron Children’s Hospital just in time for Christmas!
FINAL THOUGHTS
As we look ahead to 2026, we are grateful for the friends and partners we have made throughout the community. We look forward to continuing to grow those connections. This journey has never been about us. It is about the lives we are able to touch through showing up every day with the intent of bringing smiles, laughter, and hope.
Thank You
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who played a role in our mission throughout 2025 - from our dedicated volunteers and generous donors to our incredible community partners. Your kindness and commitment have made an immeasurable impact. Thanks to you, countless children experienced the joy of receiving a new toy, a moment of happiness, and the reassurance that they are not alone in what they face.
We want to especially thank the following:
Be A Friend Sponsors: Champion Sponsors: Fastenal, Lancaster Bingo Co; Friend Sponsors: East Central Ohio Building & Construction Trades Council, Jes Richardson - State Farm Agent, Laborers’ Local Union #1015, T&M Merchandising
Be A Friend Partners: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Heggy’s, SMOOSH, Pizza Oven, Pro Football Hall of Fame Youth Department, Hall of Fame Village, Stark County JFS Staff, Project KARE, Akron Children’s Hospital Volunteer Office.
Vendors: Mary Meyer, Douglas Cuddle Toys, Schylling Toys, Mattel, Hasbro, IQ Toyz & Games.
Donors: MoCA Cleveland, Lake High School Honor Society, Perry Fire Department, Canton Hall of Fame Chapter APA, HTW Kids, Progressive Auto Group, St. Bridget of Sweden Parish Corp, Canton Chapter NSDAR, and other individuals within the community.
Service Project Volunteers: Tiqvah Hands of Hope, SheElevates, Orrville Volleyball Team, Manchester High School, Lake High School, Lake Center Christian Middle School, C.A.S.T. Kids
Perry Police for providing year-round security to our charitable events
YOU – our supporters at Bingo and across the region.
Get Involved
We invite you to join us in making a difference. Whether volunteering your time, contributing to our initiatives, or participating in our events, your involvement is invaluable. Consider attending our bingo nights held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evening, explore our Be A Friend Program, engage in service projects, or make a donation to help us continue our mission. Together, we can bring more smiles and hope to children in our community!
Stay Connected
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctfinc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ctfbearfeed
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