The ninth annual Make a Child Smile community service event at the National Settlement Services Summit (NS3) had a different feel this year.
The event, sponsored by Adeptive Software, featured a discussion Tuesday between Terri Hanson, vice president, account services at Adeptive, and Toys for Tots President and CEO Lt. General (Ret.) James Laster.
October Research, LLC, and Adeptive partnered with Toys for Tots this year as the agency has looked to replenish its holiday stock after distributing more than 2 million toys, books and games in a partnership with Good360 this spring and summer.
Since 1947, Toys for Tots has distributed 584 million toys to 265 million less fortunate children.
“I think most folks recognize us as a Christmastime charity. When I assumed my duties as the new president and CEO, I already had the staff working on concepts and business models to be able to support less-fortunate children even beyond Christmas. And then when the pandemic occurred, I said OK, here’s our opportunity to step up and see what we can do,” Laster told NS3 attendees. “We did that just to lessen their anxiety, to bring some normalcy back into their lives. Overall, we’re very proud of our effort to help during the pandemic.”
Hanson said in the presentation that the pandemic presented challenges to donations.
“We have all seen the collection bins for new, unused toys in public areas, and even our own offices, but this year may be different. With many staying home to social distance themselves, donating these gifts could be a challenge,” she said.
Laster told attendees that the easiest way to make donations was to visit the Toys for Tots website, www.ToysforTots.org, and follow the instructions to donate items or make a financial donation.
“I think there will be an increase in demand this year,” he said. “Fortunately, the general public has been very generous during this time.
“Of course, we want to keep that up because we depleted 2 million toys and books here during the pandemic that we were planning on distributing this fall. So we need to restock that inventory, so to speak, so any donations or assistance here would be greatly appreciated.”
Hanson said Adeptive Software was donating $5,000 to the Toys for Tots program, “and we hope that attendees will match that collectively,” she added.
Attendees can visit the Adeptive Software exhibitor booth at NS3 to donate.
Previous community service organizations participating in the Make a Child Smile event include: Arizona Helping Hands, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Texas Foster Care and Adoption Services, Charlotte Ronald McDonald House Charities, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, The St. Bernard Project and Ohio Guidestone.