Case Study: Toys Of Hope

There are many needy children and families on Long Island. Too often parents cannot provide for their children the way they wish they could. Toys of hope is an organization that aims to help those families in need. The guiding principal behind their mission is that “all children, regardless of financial status, race, religion or nationality, are deserving of those things which can help give them a happier and more fulfilling life. A new toy can mean everything to a needy or homeless child. It provides fun and enjoyment and gives a child a sense of pride in having something of their very own.”

Toys of Hope is a nonprofit organization based in Huntington, NY. The organization was founded in 1994 by Melissa Doktofsky. Toys of hope operates
year round, and has helped over 65,000 needy children. 100% of the donations they receive goes towards helping families in need. They are an all volunteer charity, with no paid employees. The storage space for the donations they receive has been provided by a local building management company.
Toys of hope has been recognized by state and local governments, boards of education and the Governor of New York State, for their volunteer work and commitment to helping children and families in local communities throughout Long Island. The founder, Melissa Doktofsky, received the prestigious Martin Luther King “Living the Dream” award. The award is intended to recognize those whose work embodies Dr. King’s message of justice for all and commitment to community.

Known for "More Than Toys”, Toys of Hope offers nine programs to families in need throughout Long Island. The first program is called Adopt a Family, where you can sponsor a family in two ways. You can make a donation of $100 to $2500, depending on family size. Toys of Hope can also provide a list of items specifically requested by the family. You can purchase the items and they will then be delivered by Toys of Hope. The identity of the family is kept confidential, but some may provide a photo if they wish. The second program is Children for Change. This program helps children learn the value of helping those in need. Kids are asked to collect change, whether it be from their piggy bank or left over lunch money, and use it for donation. Toys of Hope has brought this
program to schools, camps, synagogues and churches, to get more kids involved.
To date, this program has earned $7,876. The third program, Tzedakah program, is similar to Children for Change, but for the whole family. A Tzedakah box is a Jewish charity box. You place the box in your home and children can put their allowance or change inside. Parents usually match the donation amount. Toys of Hope hosts workshops for the whole family where you can create your own Tzedaka box to bring home. An $18 donation to this program provides one person with a month’s supply of shampoo, soap, hygiene items and a toothbrush. The fourth program is the Out for a Day program, which provides a day of fun for children and their families. Parents who are struggling to pay their monthly bills cannot afford the costs associated with going to places like the zoo, or a baseball game. Toys of Hope pays for admission tickets, snacks and even souvenirs. Places families have been treated to include: baseball games at Citi Field and Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Zoo, the Long Island Game Farm, Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, arcades, aquariums and local museums. Families as small as three people, to groups of up to fifty children and adults
have gone on these outings. The fifth program provides dental supplies for children and their parents. Children ages three to ten are taught how to brush and floss properly. With the use of a specially designed horse puppet, children use a giant toothbrush to show what they have learned. Local dentists and businesses provide the dental supplies for free. The sixth program is the literacy program. Books and reading materials are provided for children from infancy up to high school. Bookstores such as Barnes & Noble, Borders, and Scholastic books donate the reading materials. The seventh program is a tutoring program. Tutoring services are offered to children from third to eighth grade. Noah Helburn, an honor student at Huntington High School, created this program to help raise money for Toy of Hope. The suggested donation amount for tutoring is $20 an hour. 100% of money raised goes to Toys of Hope. The eighth program offered is Chance 2 Dance, which provides one on one dance lessons to children who cannot afford traditional dance classes at a studio. The teacher is 19 year old Jordy Castillo, a dancer from Greenlawn, NY. He donates his time to help children learn how to dance and how to stay fit and healthy. The ninth and final program is the poor paws program. Low income families often struggle to feed their pets. Toys of Hope provides food and pet supplies for these families in need. The goal is to allow these children and families to enjoy the love and companionship having a pet provides.

Among the wonderful programs Toys of Hope provide, they also have an annual holiday event at the Oheka Castle in Huntington. Toys of Hope come together with the Pat Corelli Foundation to treat over 350 needy children from the ages 3-5 to a holiday party. The party includes Santa, a clown, a DJ, Spongebob, Dora the Explorer, professional athletes, celebrities, local politicians and a royal court. Each child receives a gift bag including toys, books, hats and mittens. Sponsors include businesses and individuals who wish to donate. A $75 dollar donation covers admission to the event, and one child’s bag full of gifts. Along with this holiday event, the Pat Corelli Foundation also provides funding for new winter coats for thousands of children in need every year. Toys of Hope is an extraordinary organization that brings joy to many children and families throughout Long Island. To get involved or if you would like to help a family in need, you can contact Toys of Hope at 631-271-TOYS (8697) or email [e-mail]. You can send a check to P.O. Box 1247 Huntington, NY 11743. All donations are tax deductible. You can donate online by visiting www.toysofhope.org.