Off To A Cuddly Start: 2025 Quarter One Impact

Victoria Muhlbach
May 20, 2025
3 min read

View the full Quarterly Impact Report here:

Letter from the Director

"In the first quarter of 2025, we donated 1,828 toys to seven different locations and completed one service project alongside Tiqvah Hands of Hope. 5,071 patrons joined us at our weekly bingo nights, with a high attendance of 251 at our Get Your Green On event!

We made new friends at Aultman Alliance and Massillon and have continued to supply them with boxes full of fun toys over the quarter. We look forward to continuing to supply them with all the comforting fun they may need through the rest of the year and beyond.

Upcoming in the second quarter, we look forward to working alongside our connections in the Perry Police Department to supply 800 brand new stuffed animals to the competitors at the Perry Exceptional Olympics. Last year, this event was one of our team’s favorite events to attend. Often, we act in the capacity of a resource—meaning we do not often get to see the smiles associated with all the toys we source. This event enabled our team to see the direct impact a stuffed animal could make. We can’t wait to continue to spread smiles and cuddles this year!

Additionally, this is our 30th year of charitable gaming—AKA bingo! We have one big party planned for July 12, 2025 to celebrate. We cannot wait to share more details as we prepare for it!"

Ashley Natale, Executive Director

Toys Donated

In the first quarter of 2025 we donated 1,828 toys! January was a bit slower since we stocked up all of our partnered organizations for Christmas, but we started to ramp up as the year progressed!

Toys By Category

The toys most donated in Quarter 1 of 2025 was Stuffed Animals, followed by Figures (i.e., Barbie, Marvel or DC action figures), Trinkets (mini dinosaurs, cars, animals), Sensory (fidget toys), Characters (Bluey, Peppa Pig, etc.), and more above in the graphic.

Toys By Location

The first quarter we donated primarily to Aultman Hospital as their stock was running low. We donated 720 toys to the Canton location, 363 to Orville, 280 to Alliance, 110 to Massillon, and 72 to the urgent care at Washington Square. We also donated for our foster friends based on their needs, giving 242 to Project KARE and 41 to Pathway Caring for Children.

Service Projects

This quarter we completed one service project alongside Tiqvah Hands of Hope! Six youth volunteers took time to bundle together tie blankets, stuffed animals, popper toys, and motivational cards. These bundles, along with others we received after Christmas, were donated to help bring comfort to foster care children at both Project KARE and Pathway Caring for Children.

Get Involved

Did you know we come alongside organizations and groups with all the supplies necessary to create bundles? On our own, we cannot create enough blankets to fulfill the need experienced in the community. But together, we can make a difference in the lives of youth. Contact us today to learn more.

Charitable Gaming

Thank you to our amazing patrons who participated in our Get Your Green On event, making it an incredible success and a lot of fun for all!

We are excited to announce that this year marks 30 years of providing bingo for our community! Come celebrate with us on July 12 for our 30th Anniversary Bingo Party. Stay tuned for more information on extra prizes, goodies, and giveaways!

Looking Forward

We look forward to continuing to share the impact we make over the course of this year! Stay tuned to find our more about our third edition of the Be A Friend Program, which is expanding each year. As we stated at the end of 2024 in our report, 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. We cannot wait to continue that throughout 2025!

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!