User:ChildeWolfe/sandbox

Founding
Melissa Doktofsky founded Toys of Hope in 1994, in Long Island, NY. She started it as part of an effort to continue the ideals and tradition of giving that her parents had taught her since childhood. The organization was set up as, and continues to be, a certified non-profit charity that is registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization. It is completely run by volunteers. This exclusion of any paid employees allows the charity to pass along the entirety of the donations that it receives to the families that need them. Toys of Hope currently supports over 65,000 children in New York.

Mission
Toys of Hope provides assistance to children in need, and their families year round. Many of the donations they distribute include such items as toys, books, and clothing as well as other household necessities. The charity does this through a variety of programs.

Programs offered

 * Adopt a Family: This program allows donors to meet the needs of a particular family. Families who qualify for this program live in homeless shelters or have been referred to the charity by a social service organization.
 * Children for Change: Created by children for children, this program offers them a way to help others by donating their spare change.
 * Dental Program: This program teaches children ages three to ten how to properly care for their teeth. After their lesson, the children are provided with a bag containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss.
 * Literacy Program: This program encourages literacy in children by providing them with books. The provided books cover a wide level of reading ability all the way from infant books through to high school level material. Many of these books are provided by bookstores and publishers.
 * Out For A Day: Through this program Toys of Hope purchases admission tickets to places or events that struggling families would be unable to afford. It aims to create a memorable family experience for those facing otherwise difficult times.
 * Poor Paws Program: This program provides necessary pet supplies to families with animals. It prevents families from having to choose between their animals and themselves, and allows them to enjoy the companionship that pets provide.
 * Pounds for Poor: This program is aimed at donors to Toys of Hope. It pairs a weight loss program with the opportunity to raise money by having sponsors.
 * Tzedakah Program: This program is designed to be an anonymous donation to families. It focuses on collecting the most basic necessities of daily life.