Senator Huff Donates Educational Toys to Children in Need

SAN DIMAS, CA: Christmas came early this year for several hundred children served by the McKinley Children’s Home, thanks to the donations made by the Purist Group and State Senator Bob Huff, who represents the 29th Senate District covering portions of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties. The Purist Group is a group of like-minded car enthusiasts who are as passionate about giving back to their community as they are about cars.

Senator Huff and several volunteers helped deliver boxes of educational toys to the McKinley organization, the second of many toy donations that will take part in Los Angeles County this fall. The LeapPads and LeapTVs donated by Senator Huff and the Purist Group are the products of LeapFrog, a dominant maker of educational toys and games. The LeapPad was most recently honored by TimetoPlayMag.com as a “Most Wanted” holiday toy.

Founded 109 years ago, the McKinley Children’s Home provides residential treatment for hundreds of children who suffer from learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, behavioral disorders, autistic spectrum disorders, Asperger Syndrome and pervasive developmental delays. The center combines therapeutic, recreational and residential services in a single, cohesive program of healing and growth for children. Counselors serve children with low self-esteem and work to encourage new levels of positive behavior.

“We’d like to thank Senator Huff and the Purist Group for putting this toy drive together,” said Rhonda Beltran, Director of Development at McKinley Children’s Home. “These educational toys are going to be a wonderful addition to our classrooms, enriching their educational experience. We are also thrilled to be able to use them as incentives for our roughly 260 foster children, and our developmentally challenged students who will benefit from the age appropriate materials.”

Senator Huff, who organized a similar toy drive and donation earlier this month at the Haynes Education Center in La Verne, points out that the LeapPads and LeapTVs are not ordinary toys. They help teach common tasks such as communication skills, social skills, self-help skills and play skills.

“Los Angeles County has many underprivileged children who normally would not have the opportunity to experience these types of toys,” said Senator Huff. “This donation gives children access to the right education tools to help them during their developmental years. I’m proud of the work they do at this facility and I’m pleased that I can help out in any way that I can.”

LeapFrog was awarded the 2011 Toy of the Year Award, Instructor Magazine’s 2011 Teacher’s Pick Award 2010, Parent’s Best Toys, NAPPA Gold, 2010 Time to Play Award, Golden Apple Award and was placed on The Toy Insider’s 2010 Hot 20 and FunFares’s 2010 Hot Dozen lists.

Senator Huff represents the 29th Senate District covering portions of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties. Follow Senator Huff on Twitter @bobhuff99.