Toy Chest, Others Raise Funds to Make A Difference

"At holiday time, we like to offer this program to any school or non-profit in West Hartford," said Ed Dunn, General Manager of the . Dunn was telling me about the Toy Chest's "Holiday Fundraiser" program, in which seven elementary schools and two non-profits (Junior League of Hartford and Moms & More) participated.

The program was actually offered to any local school or non-profit that wanted to participate. Last week, from Nov. 8 through Nov. 12, the Toy Chest gave 20 percent of its sales back to the community. The schools/non-profits could decide whether they wanted to offer their supporters a 10 percent discount and have the other 10 percent donated, or have the entire 20 percent donated to their cause.

"In the past we've done separate days or nights for the schools and other organizations, and they would have to organize volunteers to help wrap gifts," said Dunn, who added that the Toy Chest offers free gift wrapping anyway. Last year they tried something different by dedicating an entire week. "This way the program is not restricted to those who can shop at a designated time," Dunn said.

The Toy Chest has not yet calculated the total donations from the event, but thought it was similar to last year's fundraiser – a very good result in today's economic climate. "We know how strapped schools are, and we have donated as much as $1,000 to a single school through this event," said Dunn. "We're limited in what we can do, but we are very committed to this community." The Toy Chest plans to hold the same event next year.

Other local residents are getting into the philanthropic spirit as well and helping raise funds for charities. West Hartford resident Steve Uthgennant is a home chef who is raising money for Share Our Strength, a Washington, D.C.-based charity that works to end childhood hunger. "Everyone likes my chicken soup, so I decided to sell it and raise some money for charity," Uthgennant said. He has already sold more than 100 quarts of at $10 each and raised nearly $250. "I know it's a small amount, but every bit helps," said Uthgennant, who hopes to raise at least $500 during the holiday season. Although he initially made soup at his home, he now has access to a commercial kitchen for future batches. To order, email chickensoupforcharity@gmail.com.

Last weekend, held its annual Holiday Craft Fair. West Hartford resident Audrey Byrnett has organized the craft fair for the past three years, initially to benefit St. Peter Claver's Haitian ministry. When fellow St. Peter Claver parishioner Rick Thibadeau officially incorporated Medical Aid to Haiti (MATH) last year, that organization became the beneficiary. "This year, we raised over $5,000 through vendors' fees, the Haitian Café and other donations," Byrnett said. "It's grown from 20 to 50 vendors and become higher quality every year," said Byrnett, who also wanted to officially thank Lorri Chapman for co-chairing this year's event, and Sandy Pons for donating her graphic design talents. Nancy Ryan, president of MATH, said it was "a wonderful fundraiser, and makes a big difference." "We are lucky to be the beneficiary of what they raised; it's enough to support our mobile clinic for a month," said Thibadeau who is chairman of MATH. For more information, visit www.medicalaidtohaiti.org.