SERVICE PROJECTS
Bringing comfort, one blanket bundle at a time.
A Bundle of Hope
It became a dream to involve local youth in what we were already doing to show them that with a little bit of time they can be the difference in the life of another. With that in mind, we began exploring service-related projects in late 2018 and have continued to grow those opportunities since.
Our first service project was with a local Jackson Fury soccer team making blankets. From there it expanded to larger scale events with CAST and RiverTree Jackson Student Ministry. These unique partnerships have allowed us to go further than providing just another toy to the bin by creating a bundle filled with hope for children who truly need that extra boost.
Who It Impacts
Over time, our blanket bundle project evolved to be specifically for foster care. The idea was that a stuffed animal and fidget toy wrapped in a cuddly blanket would be waiting for a child entering foster care on the first night of care. The goal is to help ease fear and uncertainty from any abrupt life changes they may have encountered.
Ripple Effect
Years after one of our larger service projects with RiverTree Jackson Student Ministry, a senior reached out to us, sharing that the experience with us and her youth group had impacted her. She wanted to do her Senior Service Project alongside us. She showed us that the projects were having an impact on the groups participating—just the way we had dreamed.
"Working with the Children's Toy Fund for my senior service project was a great experience! Ashley and the rest of the staff were so kind and helpful, and they were always willing to work with me to carry out my project. Ashley came alongside of me each step of the way and helped me feel good about the process. While mentoring me, she let me take the lead in planning my project, which allowed me to learn valuable leadership and organizational skills. I was able to do something that helps kids while learning along the way - it was awesome!"
—Elizabeth Ripple | Jackson JAGS Student
The blanket bundles donated by the Children's Toy Fund are just awesome. They provide such comfort to vulnerable children going through a difficult time. The kids’ eyes just light up when they get to pick out their favorite stuffed animal and blanket!
—Michelle Neisel
Administrative Assistant
Stark County JFS
Pathway Caring for Children is so grateful for this thoughtful gesture of kindness made possible by the Children's Toy Fund and the many helping hands that came together to make these bundles which also carry with them HOPE.
—Sonia Kern
Foster Care Intake Manager
Pathway Foster
Get Involved
We work with organizations, businesses, clubs, activity groups, high school seniors, and more! No experience is necessary. We just need your time!
How It Works
1
Materials
We provide all the materials for the first 100 bundles we do in a year.
2
Tie
No sewing required! Just cut and tie fleece fabric to create a warm, comforting blanket.
3
Bundle
Pair the blanket with a stuffed animal, popper toy, and an uplifting postcard.
4
Donate
We coordinate with foster care agencies to deliver these bundles to children in need.
