Dear Toy Family,

As you know, this has been a devasting week for those of us in Southern California. My week has been consumed with media coverage of the LA Fires, as I am sure yours have as well. During times like this, it can feel overwhelming to try and figure out a way to help, especially for those who are a distance from the destruction. And yet it is in helping in however small a way that we feel hope, ignite our resilience, and fight back despair.

Last night I reached out to an organization that is creating care packages for evacuees to say “What about toys? Would you take toys for the kids who have been displaced?” and the overwhelming response I received was “Yes, that was our next ask! Toys and stuffed animals give comfort for child evacuees and those who have lost everything. This would be incredibly helpful. We need donations for children of all ages.” These organizations are The Pandemic of Love and GEM (Global Empowerment Mission). Both have been covered nationally for the extraordinary direct to recipient charity that they organize. GEM is a 501c3 and donations will be tax deductible. Their EIN is 45-3782061.

This is where you come in - I am asking for donations to be sent to their distribution center. Products that they are requesting need to be small enough to be packed into backpacks. Key items they are requesting:

• Plush
• Games
• Books
• Toys
• Puzzles
• Fidgets
• Crafts that comes with all components

These products should be shipped to their distribution center at:

Global Empowerment Mission / LA Fires

411 Otterson Drive, Suite 90

Chico, CA. 95928

They are asking to be notified of shipments, so please send me tracking info so I can forward to them and they can track.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

In the words of Mr. Rogers, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping’ “. Thanks in advance for your help, it means so much.