On November 3, 2014, NETWORK of Community Ministries opened their annual Toyland Express program. For the past 28 years, NETWORK's Toyland Express provides new, unwrapped Christmas toys to local Richardson area families experiencing financial hardship and are unable to afford toys for their children during the holiday season. This year however, Toyland Express opened with a twist. In an effort to expand NETWORK’s commitment to serve with dignity, Toyland Express is now a Self Service program. Eligible families are able to “shop” for their children in our newly renovated Toyland Express Warehouse. Families are able to browse the warehouse, just as they would a local toy store and select the toys they feel will be most enjoyed by their children. Volunteers serve as customer service representatives to assist families during their shopping visit if they have questions about the toys (i.e. age appropriateness). All toys are still at no cost to the family.
NETWORK has received a tremendous about of positive feedback from clients who have already shopped in Toyland Express. Ms. Hardy, single mother of 4, was in tears when she shopped in Toyland Express. She commented that “when I came here, I was just happy that my kids would have toys this Christmas. But being able to pick them myself, I just feel respected”. During our first week, NETWORK has provided over 1,100 toys to 275 children. NETWORK is proud to provide holiday joy to our children thanks to the generous donations of our Richardson neighbors, corporations and organizations.