I would like to dedicate this post to the “Toys for Tots” program of the U.S. Marine Corps. This organization is making a lot of efforts these days to get as many toys as possible to kids who are in need nationwide. The main purpose of this program is to send a message of hope and encouragement to these disadvantaged children and contribute to their development in various aspects of life.
This non-profit organization’s main activity is collecting new unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year and distributing them in communities all over the nation. They also conduct voluntary events throughout the year such as sports tournaments in order to increase awareness and interest in the program and generate toys and monetary donations.
I believe that this program is a blessing to the children and families who face poverty on daily basis and can feel discouraged and deserted in this cheerful time of the year. As a mother to a toddler, it is reassuring for me to know that I can care for all his needs and put a smile on his face as long as I can control it. The challenge of providing for your family is an issue that a lot of us face this year, but imagine not being able to even put a small gift under the Christmas tree for your anticipating toddler when he is surrounded with so many messages of the Christmas spirit and joy…
If you would have told me a few years ago that I would be so passionate about toys for toddlers I would have probably raised an eyebrow in return. It is amazing to discover how with the arrival of your firstborn, you naturally and instantly dive back into your own childhood and old passions find their way back to surface…
I was always a tom-boy kind of gal, not really into dolls and wearing my mom’s makeup and heels (and she is still complaining to this day about the disappointment of finally having a girl after two boys who didn’t want to be a girl…) My favorite toys included: cars, marbles, Lego, animal toys and of course, anything I could climb. So now that I have a very active first boy who is very (very…) passionate about anything with wheels I have rediscovered my enthusiasm for Toddlers toys; and since I often (a little bit too often if you ask my husband) find myself going on (and off) line to look for new and exiting toys for my son, I made up my mind to start a blog in which I will share our experiences with toys, helpful information and some cool ideas for toys all appropriate for the magical toddler years… I believe Toddler-hood is an amazing time!! This little explorers’ active interest in the world, and their many expressions of their endless excitement with it’s new discoveries can be very contagious…
I must confess,though, that I am a nostalgic kind of person and I tend to go with toys that bring me back to the time I grew up in, when everything was much simpler. You will probably not find here computer games, DVD’s, electronic toys and the like unless it has some meaningful value. I strongly believe in toys that one can touch and interact with and less with toys that put the child in a passive position…There is a whole world out there to explore – live and in 3D – why stick to the box?
So for those of you who would like to join me on this journey in the world of Classic toys for tots I hope to be able to bring valuable info or at least some enjoyable posts from time to time…
