Piccolo Mondo Toys donates 170 activity bags to Hillsboro families in need

HILLSBORO, Ore. — Being stuck at home has many families breaking out the board games, puzzles, and activities more than ever. However, that might not be an option for families who are struggling to put food on the table in these uncertain times.

That's why a local toy store is stepping up, to add a little joy and a little play when families need it the most.

"Toy stores; we bring hope and joy to children. That's really what we do," said Michelle Smith, owner of Piccolo Mondo Toys.

Step into a toy store and no matter how old you are, you're snapped back to that age of wonder and imagination. With teddy bears, trains, puzzles and dolls filling the shelves, it's hard not to transport to a world of endless possibilities for fun.

That's what Michelle Smith wants for her customers at Piccolo Mondo Toys.

However, that in-person wonderment has been put on hold because of the coronavirus. She had to close the doors to all three of her locations; in Bethany, Beaverton and Hillsboro.

"Our goal for the last 14 years is to have this memorable experience when you come into this cool neighborhood toy store and when that goes away you have to get creative," Smith said.

So, that's exactly what Smith and her staff did to stay afloat. They took their sales online and worked with customers over the phone and on social media.

"We kind of joke that we're personal shoppers on steroids because we're doing everything we can," she said.

Smith realized she could make an even bigger impact for kids and families outside of her client base, families who could probably use some joy the most.

"There's lots of families who need a little just jolt of happiness," Smith said.

That jolt comes in the form of donated activity bags filled with engaging and educational items like mad libs, word puzzles, colored pencils and coloring books. Plus, something extra just for fun.

Piccolo Mondo Toys

"That's really the best thing, just bringing hope to families," Smith said.

Smith partnered up with Cindy Cosenzo at AgeCelebration, a Hillsboro organization that fosters relationships between businesses and their communities, to make it happen.

Cosenzo connected Smith to volunteers and families in the Hillsboro school district.

"It has been this collaboration of really spreading hope to children," Smith said.

The bags are going to Title 1 schools that are already distributing food to families in need.

"So, when they're picking up their food, they get a surprise activity bag, which is amazing," Smith said.

Donations from the community are driving this mission.

For just $20, you can buy an activity bag for a family in need on the Piccolo Mondo website.

The program allows Smith to support her employees, for the community to give back and for kids to just be kids.

"This is something we can do. There's so much we can't do right now, and this is something we can do," Smith said.

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