Thanks to the largess of specialty toy manufacturers Safari Ltd., Infinitoy and Glide Bikes, who sponsored a giveaway contest run by TDmonthly Magazine, Tim & Cynthia Holliday ofChildren's World and Uniform in Sarasota, Florida, were once again able to give their local children's charities the double gift of donated toys and much-needed free publicity. TDmonthly named Children's World as one of the winning specialty toy stores based on the Hollidays' commitment to charitable giving and events throughout the store's history, plus Tim's outstanding ability to get the attention of his local media, which he proved in 2012 in another TDmonthly giveaway event.
Tim, who titles himself MASI (Master of Advertising Specialty Information) once again shone a spotlight on the charities and sponsors in several local media outlets. In addition, he created his own publicity via the store's Facebook page and by building an impressive in-store display.
In July, YourObserver.com announced that Tim's store was a winner of the TDmonthly Giveaway contest, plus was sponsoring his own contest for a customer to win a prize package and the right to name his or her own favorite children's charity to receive the donated toys. Biz 941followed up with a report on the winner of Tim and Cynthia's contest: Marjorie Berry, who named as her charity Suncoast Charities for Children, which serves local children with special needs. The charity in turn donated some toys to a partner, Children First, whose mission is to safeguard the rights of children, as well as provide tutoring, mentoring and comfort to children in need. The Sarasota Herald Tribune covered the Children's World giveaway both in print and online and included a color photo of Tim, Lucy Nicandri from Suncoast Charities for Children; Saran DeVaughn from Children First; and Kim Lant representing Marjorie Berry.
Tim and Cynthia donated the Glide Bikes – balance bikes that balance at a lower speed and have more adjustable components than similar products – to Manasota B.U.D.S. (Bringing Up Down Syndrome). In addition, Children's World reached into its own inventory and donated playsets, fort builders, crayons and markers to Easter Seals.
The good works even attracted the attention of Tim's local TV station. They came to the store to film the donated toys and publicize the charities: watch video
"At Children's World, we love to support our community, and by partnering with TDmonthly, we have been able to do so much more than we would have on our own,'' concluded Tim. ''The two programs we participated in gave us great toys to give away, and a great story to give the media, which was good for us, as well as the charities that we partnered with."
12" Mini Glider by GLIDE BIKES
12" Mini Glider for children ages 2-5. Made from lightweight aluminum alloy, the Mini Glider features our patented slow speed geometry along with removable foot pegs, child sized handbrake, quick release seat post clamp, kickstand, and a lifetime warranty! Available in 5 metallic colors, weighs only 8 pounds.
The ZOOB JR. Scooter features 18 ZOOB JR. pieces, 4 wheels, and instructions for 17 creations, such as a scooter, a mini go-cart, a skateboarder, and a spinning robot (but kids can make up lots more). The instructions require no reading, and are printed on sturdy cards. ZOOB JR. is our fastest-growing product category.
Based on the success of last year's ZOOBMobile Fastback (which included one pull-back friction motor), the ZOOBMobile Fastback H2H features two pull-back friction motors so kids can create their own ZOOBMobiles and race them against each other. But kids can also put the motors together to make a super vehicle that goes even faster, for up to 40 feet. The Fastback H2H features 45 ZOOB pieces and 8 high-quality tires that are notched so they work like gears. Because ZOOB® pieces snap together so many different ways, kids can use their imaginations to create their own vehicles, and add on pieces from their ZOOB collections to make even more. The Fastback H2H is fully compatible with all other Infinitoy ZOOB pieces.
Safari People John & Baxter Zookeeper by SAFARI LTD.®
Our keepers are more than just "cleaner-uppers". They show nurturing in action. Each replica is finely hand painted and accurate down to the last detail. Educational information in five languages is included with each replica. All our products are phthalate-free and thoroughly safety tested to safeguard your child's health. Safari Ltd.® takes pride in providing breathtaking, innovative and value priced figures for now over three generations. Featured is our Safari Ltd.® People John & Baxter Zookeeper Size: 1.5" L x 3.75" H (4 x 9.5 cm). Suggested age 3+. All of our products are lead free and thoroughly safety tested.
Incredible Creatures® White–lipped Snail by SAFARI LTD.®
At almost five inches long, not many snails can measure up to our Incredible Creatures® White-lipped Snail. The wild animals in our Incredible Creatures® collection are the largest models of any series, making them perfect for children’s small hands. For added value to both toy lovers and collectors, most of the replicas in this collection are made to scale, and some are even life sized. Like all Safari Ltd® figures, these toys are professionally sculpted and hand painted for stunning, accurate detail. The scale of this White-lipped Snail is 1:0.5
Incredible Creatures Queen Triggerfish by SAFARI LTD.®
Part of the stunning Incredible Creatures series, this Queen Triggerfish is a stunning example of nature in all its wonder. The product is soft to the touch for added realism and it floats. Finely hand painted, phthalate free and safety tested. Each comes with an educational hang tag in 5 languages. Size: 6" L x 4" H. View our entire collection at safariltd.com.
Incredible Creatures Galapagos Marine Iguana by SAFARI LTD.®
Safari Ltd introduces a new edition to the stunning Incredible Creatures Series. Our hand painted, phthalate free Galapagos Marine Iguana shows intricate detail. These iguanas feed on the seaweed from the ocean, and expel the salt from the water by sneezing it out through their noses. Our Incredible Creatures series are soft to the touch for added realism and include 5 language educational information. Replica size: 9.1” L x 5” H. View our entire collection at www.safariltd.com
Incredible Creatures® Cobra Hatchling by SAFARI LTD.®
Extra large, soft, playful, true-to-life vinyl replicas of some of the most amazing creatures in the world. Excellent learning tool to introduce young children to our delicate and often endangered inhabitants of our planet. A fun way to spark the innate curiosity of a child. Each replica is finely hand painted and accurate down to the last detail. Educational information in five languages is included with each replica. All our products are phthalate-free and thoroughly safety tested to safeguard children's health.
Wild Safari® Sealife Flippers, Fins & Fun Set by SAFARI LTD.®
Detailed replicas of tropical marine life and a realistic coral reef surround this young diver with a wild underwater adventure. Exquisite sculpting and attention to detail make this the ideal gift for any child. The packaging features educational information in 5 languages on the back. All Safari Ltd.® products are phthalate and lead free and safety tested to safeguard children’s health. We take pride in the quality, innovation and design that have characterized our products for over 3 generations. Flippers, Fins & Fun Gift Set Includes: Dolphin, Sea Turtle, Queen Triggerfish, Grouper, Coral Reef, and Freddie the Free Diver. Box Size: 11” W x 4.75” H x 4” D (28 x 12 x 10 cm)
Writer's Bio: ALISON MAREK is an award-winning writer, director and cartoonist whose work has been published by Fairchild Publications and DC Comics (Piranha Press), broadcast on Showtime and other cable networks, and viewed worldwide in film festivals. See her short films and print work on www.alisonmarek.com. Watch her nefarious villains in the web series www.MuggsMovers.com. Get inspired by her cartoons "Daily ARFFirmations to Unleash Your Inner Fido" at www.ARFFirmations.com. Phew! And then ... Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: ALISON MAREK is an award-winning writer, director and cartoonist whose work has been published by Fairchild Publications and DC Comics (Piranha Press), broadcast on Showtime and other cable networks, and viewed worldwide in film festivals. See her short films and print work on www.alisonmarek.com. Watch her nefarious villains in the web series www.MuggsMovers.com. Get inspired by her cartoons "Daily ARFFirmations to Unleash Your Inner Fido" at www.ARFFirmations.com. Phew! And then ... Read more articles by this author
