Play it Forward Pittsburgh Toy Drive gives new meaning to children's fun
Miniature cars are lined up ready to roll. Kitchen sets await that first pretend meal. Bicycles sit ready for that ride around the block. And teddy bears and baby dolls long for that much-needed hug.
These are some of the items that will be given to children as part of the 10th annual Play it Forward Pittsburgh Toy Drive, which collects hundreds of thousands of gently-used toys from Pittsburghers and gives them away to families in need every December.
The 10th annual event is happening at the David Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown, on Friday and Saturday, with modifications because of the pandemic.
Normally, some 1,500 people show up and select the free toys. This year, people will receive a pre-packed box of toys chosen by volunteers, based on a sign-up sheet that recipients submit.
“The need is greater than ever,” said Heather Starr Fiedler, of Cheswick, co-founder of the event with Amy Kier Reinhart from Mars. “We are determined not to let covid-19 stop us from helping people have a happy Christmas.”
The two moms started the event as a way to give new life to toys.
Toys began arriving from several drop-off locations on Monday. They will be sorted by category through Wednesday.
On Thursday, items will be gathered for each family that submitted a wish list.
Each child can select three items and one large family item. Families can ask for one big item such as a bike or kitchen set.
Currently, all time slots for pickup are filled. If any times open, they will be posted on the organization’s Facebook page.
Every item will be disinfected.
Volunteers are needed.
Alex Zimmerman and Chris Zimmerman of West Mifflin and their children Mia, 9, and Miles, 1½, were helping to organize items. They were dressed as Christmas trees.
“This is a great place to donate toys my children no longer use but that still have a lot of life left in them,” Alex Zimmerman said. “I am glad they are still able to have this. It is a great way to get your children involved in volunteer work. We are fortunate, but many families aren’t.”
Mia was in charge of pushing a cart with some of the big items. She donated two bags of stuffed animals.
“It is fun doing this. And they are super organized, and the kids who get these toys will be really happy,” she said. “It feels good knowing what we are doing will make them happy.”
Some drop-off locations included Pro Bike + Run, Aspinwall Presbyterian Church, Kids Plus Pediatrics, The Pilates Center of Pittsburgh and Sullivan Super Service.
Making a drop-off was Brad Sullivan of Sullivan Super Service, a heating, cooling and plumbing company based in East McKeesport. He said his sister Jenell heard about the event and their father, John L. Sullivan, who owns the business, is passionate about giving back.
“We are happy to be a part of it,” Brad Sullivan said as he unloaded a company van.
Reinhart said she wants children to feel some sort of normalcy this holiday season. The pandemic has caused many people to lose jobs and they might not have the money for gifts this year, she said.
The families can pick up the toys from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday during their specified time slot. More than 500 families have signed up.
“We needed to clean out all of the toys our kids didn’t want or need, and we realized other moms and dads had toys to donate, too,” said Reinhart. “This is all great stuff and we are able to keep it out of a landfill. … Pittsburghers are great and they always support each other.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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