Marklund Day School benefits from donation of learning toys from VTech Electronics North America

After learning about Marklund Day School, and its mission of providing a high-quality education for students with mild to complex disabilities, Robert O’Connell knew he wanted to make a difference.

He spoke with his colleagues at VTech Electronics North America, in Arlington Heights, Ill., about donating VTech and LeapFrog learning toys to the school. “It’s something that our company does on occasion,” said O’Connell, manager of financial planning and analysis. “VTech makes donations on a case-by-case basis, as long as it’s a worthwhile cause.”

The idea of donating came to O’Connell after speaking with Amanda Nordmeyer, a paraprofessional at Marklund Day School.

“The passion and enthusiasm that she expressed definitely made it an easy decision to try and get a donation to Marklund,” O’Connell recalled. “I really saw her excitement, as she expressed what she does, and what Marklund does. It was great to see.”

Bringing the games to the school on April 13, he was so pleased to see the faces of students, teachers and staff members light up after seeing the lobby overflowing with boxes. Spread out on many piles were DigiArt Creative Easels™, Touch and Learn Activity Desks™, Alphabet Activity Cube™, Write & Learn Creative Center, LeapPad™ Glo Learning Tablets, and other VTech and LeapFrog toys, known for their high-quality construction and educational value.

Seeing, firsthand, how the donation made an impact brightened O’Connell’s day, he said.

“It’s great to see any child happy and smiling,” he said. “But knowing the children will benefit from an education standpoint, makes it even more rewarding. The toys will be extremely beneficial to Marklund students.”

Since then, the donation already has had a positive effect, said Paula Bodzioch, director of education at Marklund. “The toys have enhanced the learning environment in our classrooms,” she said. “They’ve added some variation and have made learning a little more fun and interesting.”

“We are so incredibly grateful to VTech Electronics,” she added. “The company’s generous donation means so much to all of us here at Marklund Day School. We will continue to feel the impact of VTech’s generosity for years to come.”

“It’s the company’s pleasure to be able to offer the toys,” O’Connell said. “It really means a lot, not only to myself, but also to the company. The toys are making a difference in kids’ lives.”