WebRanking’s 9th Annual Toy Drive is a Wrap!
Since 2012, WebRanking has happily participated in the Toys for Tots annual toy drive. This year was our 9th annual visit to our favorite local toy stores, where we bought bags full of toys to gift to children in need.
Two Separate Shopping Sprees, One Joyous Outcome
Our team here at WebRanking is split between offices in Portland, OR, and Eden Prairie, MN. Even though we shopped separately, together we had an incredible time gathering up toys, games, board games, plush animals, educational items, electronics and more!
James Svoboda (CEO and managing partner) again visited his family’s favorite toy store in Chanhassen, Minnesota: Kiddywampus (formerly the ABC & Toy Zone store). But this year extended the shopping to include his family! His wife Amy and two children, Naria and Jamison, offered special insights into the right toys to buy for kids of all ages.
James and his family took all the gifts they purchased and donated them to Toys for Tots.
Cheers from WebRanking!
About Toys for Tots
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program began back in 1947 as a small organization dedicated to delivering gifts to children in need. The program has since expanded to cover That year, the program donated 5,000 toys. In 2019, the organization and its volunteers distributed 18.5 million toys. These toys went to children across all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
Chris and Tony Give Away Some Nice Toys & Games!
Oodles 4 Kids in Oregon
In Oregon, this year due to Covid, Tony Svoboda (CFO and founder) and Chris Lister (Senior Director of Development) had Carolyn at Oodles 4 Kids use her years of expertise in toys and games do the shopping for us so as to not create any additional risk for everyone. We had Carolyn picked out some items for teens, pre-teens and older kids, knowing these children often get overlooked when it comes to donations. And Oodles for Kids delivers on it all! Oodles 4 Kids is located in the Sellwood neighborhood in SE Porland.
“Carolyn, the owner of Oodles 4 Kids, is selective with what she carries in her store and has some of the newest, coolest, most unique toys you can find” says Chris.
Tony and Chris donated the gifts they purchased to Toy & Joy Makers.
About Toy & Joy Makers
Toy & Joy Makers of Portland Fire & Rescue has been serving children and their families for over 100 years. Established in 1914, Toy & Joy Makers focuses on bringing the spirit of the holiday season to low-income families. In 2019, they gave over 40,000 toys to over 12,000 children in the Portland area.
WebRanking has dedicated its toy drive efforts to Toy & Joy Makers specifically due to Chris Lister’s own experiences with the organization. His father was a firefighter for 30 years, so Chris grew up volunteering and helping sort and pick out the toys for several years. Continuing this great work brings great joy to Chris and the rest of the WebRanking team.
Holiday Traditions That Make an Impact
Our annual toy drive is a holiday tradition that we absolutely love. We can’t wait to do it again next year!
We also encourage you to take a moment to consider how you give to those who are less fortunate than you. What steps can you take, big or small, to make a positive impact on another human being? The holiday season is about giving… but it’s not the toy or clothing item or the latest gadget that matters. It’s the gift of bringing joy and light into another person’s life.
We hope you find and share joy and happiness this holiday season and that you have a happy New Year!
