View the full 2024 Impact Report here:
Letter From the Director
"2024 was an incredible year of continued growth at the Children’s Toy Fund, Inc! Last year, we provided 17,618 toys to twelve separate locations across Northeast Ohio. We expanded upon our Be A Friend pilot program from 37 youth to 50 youth and made additional friends in the region to help make the event truly amazing. We had the privilege to work alongside three organizations and 83 volunteers to create almost 100 bundles that went out to organizations that serve foster care.
Every year we strive to become a little more effective at communicating and meeting the needs of not only our community, but other connections across the region. We realize every organization is unique, both in how they operate and who they serve. It is our mission to continually bring smiles into all those “yucky” situations. We aim to help change the atmosphere – even if it’s just for a brief moment.
As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to expand our support to Massillon and Alliance while continuing to aid all established relationships. We appreciate all of the support that our organization has received that has enabled us to continue to touch more lives than we could have ever imagined. We look forward to the journey ahead - providing even more smiles to youth facing difficult situations throughout the region. Thank you!"
Ashley Natale, Executive Director
Quality Over Quantity
Although we want to provide help to as many youth as possible, our goal is to provide quality items that will last longer than the day they are received. We strive to provide the highest quality items that make the largest impact in each and every location we serve. For example, what may bring smiles to a primarily outpatient hospital may not be as effective for inpatient hospital units. Whereas a child doing a quick exam may need something to distract them or help during a short procedure, a child staying in the hospital needs something to provide longer-term, stationary entertainment.
When we begin each year, we choose to track items that have been requested the most over the course of the previous year. We continue to ask questions and try new items every year to find the most effective way to help the amazing case managers, doctors, nurses, and first responders who are providing help to youth in difficult situations. Some categories, like “Trinkets,” are bulk requested. The trinkets are small, easily stored items for treasure chest rewards that a child could select after a procedure.
Toys Donated
In 2024 we donated 17,618 toys! Of these toys, our main categories consisted of 24.7% trinkets, 16.2% stuffed animals, 3.3% action figures/dolls, 3.1% poppers. 52.8% of the remaining toys were crafts, Legos, cars, baby tech, baby dolls, dinosaurs, comfort bundles, play sets, and more!
Locations
We work with a wide variety of organizations that support kids facing difficult situations. The following are the locations we donated to and the amount of toys they received from us in 2024:
Hospitals
Akron Children's Hospital - 9,788 toys
Akron Children's in Wooster - 351 toys
Aultman Hospital in Canton - 2,975 toys
Aultman Hospital in Orrville - 852 toys
Aultman Hospital in Washington Square - 351
Foster Care
Pathway Caring for Children - 949 toys
Caring for Kids - 264 toys
Project KARE - 222 toys
Other
Special Wish - 800 toys
Perry Exceptional Olympics - 755 toys
Perry Fire - 210 toys
Perry Police - 3 toys
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 2024, we worked with 83 volunteers across three organizations (Starbucks Districts 1985 & 3072, Project REBUILD, and Manchester Local High School) to create 92 blanket bundles that reached foster youth throughout Northeast Ohio. Additionally, one organization with youth volunteers created and donated cookie jars at Christmas for foster youth and families to create memories together. It is through these unique partnerships that we can make a larger impact - together.
Be A Friend Program
In 2024 we built upon our Be A Friend Program which was launched the prior year. In this program, we work with youth from our partner organizations. This year we invited participating kids from Project KARE to make two friends at Build-A-Bear—one for themselves and one for another kid facing injury or illness at Akron Children’s Hospital.
Our goal is not only to show these kids that they matter, but to empower them to be helping hands for other children facing scary situations in hospitals. The kids responded well to this task, often spending more time on the furry friends going to the hospital than they spent on their own furry friends.
The Program Thus Far
The pilot in 2023 began with Build-A-Bear, the Hall of Fame Village, GOLDY the G.O.A.T, and USFL cheerleaders. In 2024, this project grew to include surrounding stores that moved into the Hall of Fame Village.
This past year, Heggy’s Chocolates opened their doors early for participating youth to color get well cards to give alongside the donated furry friend creations. Additionally, they chalked their walk and provided yummy treats to all the participants. SMOOSH Cookies and Pizza Oven also opened early to provide a boost of energy and lunch for all involved. The Pro Football Hall of Fame allowed Stark County JFS Staff to set up games on the field below Fez for the children to play games on.
Local mascots Bearamy, GOLDY the GOAT, and Andy the Armadillo (Alliance Texas Roadhouse) joined in on the day to run passes and color with the kids. The Hall of Fame Village allowed us to take over the walkways with chalk and, more importantly, bubbles! Additionally, we were joined by volunteers from Akron Children’s Hospital Volunteer Unit and Fastenal.
The 2024 event was sponsored in part by Champion Sponsors Fastenal and Lancaster Bingo Company as well as Friend Sponsor Laborers’ Local Union #1015.
Get Involved
We realize that this event is so much larger than just us. It is our dream to see this program continue to recognize the current struggles of the youth we are working with, and to empower them. To achieve this, our goal is to work with local organizations to add to the impact and fun.
If would like to make a lasting impact for the youth directly involved in this program, and also the children facing injury or illness at hospitals, please contact us! We are always looking for sponsors and ways for organizations or businesses to get directly involved with programming!
Expanding the Fun
Crash & Bump Room at Caring for Kids - Sometimes our connections need more than toys. This year, our friends at Caring for Kids requested funds to furnish their “Crash and Bump” space for the youth they service. We are grateful we could help them create an environment that will have a lasting impact for years to come!
Charitable Gaming
We run a state-licensed bingo program at our facility every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Last bingo fiscal year we had 18,878 players play bingo with us! We held 139 sessions and averaged 136 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.
Thank You
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who played a role in our mission throughout 2024—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, Champion Sponsors: Fastenal, Lancaster Bingo Co; Friend Sponsor: Laborers’ Local Union #1015
Be A Friend Partners: Build-A-Bear, Heggy’s, SMOOSH, Pizza Oven, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Hall of Fame Village, Stark County JFS Staff, Project KARE, Akron Children’s Hospital Volunteer Office
Keillor’s A Teddy Bear Shoppe Bear Drive
Vendors: Mary Meyer, PlayMonster Fun, Mattel, and Hasbro
Donors: Ohio BWC, Dillard's, and Perry Fire Department
Service Project Volunteers: Starbucks, Project Rebuild, Manchester School District, C.A.S.T.
Perry Police for providing year-round security to our charitable events
YOU – our supporters at Bingo and across the region
Looking Forward
As we look ahead to 2025, 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.
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
Explore our website: www.childrenstoyfund.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/childrenstoyfund
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ctfinc
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ctfbearfeed3240
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