Community Effort Brought Smiles to Many!

(Update 2/11/22)

Days after the Marshall Fire, Science Discovery leapt into action, coordinating a toy drive to support the many children who lost everything in the fire. After putting out a call to the community for donations of new and used books, toys and games, our team was blown away by the response! Within just a few days, the Boulder County community (and beyond) rallied and contributed an amazing assortment of baby and toddler toys, puzzles and board games, LEGOs, stuffies, dolls, doll houses, bikes and everything in between to distribute to those who needed to play now more than ever. We even received donations from afar, including LEGOs sent from Hawaii and Kindles from New Jersey! Our team assembled custom packages for more than 50 families and distributed items to many more through a series of events held at community libraries. We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring smiles to kids and families who were impacted by the fire.

A huge Thank You to our community partners who supported this effort, including:

Many thanks for working alongside us to make this happen for those who needed it most!

 


 

Looking for toys, games, puzzles or books?

(Update 1/10/21)

Our distribution of children's items donated by our generous community continues! If you or someone you know has been impacted by the Marshall Fire and you're looking to bring a sliver of joy to a child who lost their home, please visit one of the following locations where we're continuing to share books, toys, games and more: 

  • Boulder Public Library (Main Branch), Mount Sanitas Room (1001 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder)
    • Monday, January 10, through Sunday, January 16
      • Monday-Thursday: 9am-7pm
      • Friday-Saturday: 10am-5pm
      • Sunday: 12-5pm
  • Lafayette Public Library (775 Baseline Rd., Lafayette) 
    • Saturday, January 22
      • 11am-4pm
    • Sunday, January 23
      • 1-4pm
         

 

We have reached our capacity and are putting a pause on donations at this time.

(Update 1/4/21)

Thanks so much to everyone in our community for stepping up in such a big way. We are overwhelmed with the amazing collection of children's items generously donated in support of families who lost their homes. If you've already gathered items to donate, please hold on to them; we will be working to arrange additional distribution events later in the spring but at this point, we are at capacity for this week's distribution plan.

 


 

Marshall Fire Toy Drive

(Posted 1/1/21)

As we ring in the new year, we are grieving alongside our neighbors in Louisville and Superior. The scope of the devastation in our community is unimaginable. Several members of our team remain evacuated but all are safe. Our hearts are with all of those who lost their homes. So many families impacted by the fire lost everything -- but we also know of so many in our community who want to help in whatever way they can. Having seen firsthand the tremendous stress our own kids experienced while awaiting news of their homes, we want to do something for those kids who lost everything... but who still need to play, perhaps more than ever right now.

Rows of rainbow-colored LEGO bricks.
Photo by Sen on Unsplash

What to Donate

***Due to the expected volume of materials we anticipate to reiceive, please help us streamline getting these materials to families by cleaning and washing (soft items such as stuffed animals) items before dropping them off. If you plan to drop off any battery operated toys, please include required batteries. We greatly appreciate your help!

Anything in very good/excellent condition that you think might bring a little joy to a child who has experienced tremendous loss:

  • Books
  • Games
  • Puzzles
  • LEGOs (note: miscellaneous LEGOs are fine... our team will clean, organize and assemble into STEM kits!)
  • Art/craft supplies (in new or excellent condition)
  • Other toys (dolls, stuffed animals, etc.)
  • Handwritten notes for kids & families

How to Donate

We have reached our capacity and are not accepting donations at this time. Please hold on to any items you've collected and we'll let you know if we need specific types of items.

How to Receive Toys

Families who have lost their homes can sign up here to submit special requests and be kept informed of distribution plans (but this is not required).

We are currently making plans for families to pick up items and will keep this site updated as events are added.

  • Toy Distribution Event: Louisville Public Library: Saturday, January 8, 11am-4 pm
  • Toy Distribution Event: Boulder Public Library (main branch): Saturday, January 8, 11am-4 pm
  • Toy Distribution Event: Boulder Public Library: Sunday, January 9, 12-4pm
  • New addition! Toy Distribution Event: Louisville Public Library: Sunday, January 9, 1-4 pm
  • Browse for Toys, Games & Books: Boulder Public Library (main branch): Ongoing, January 10-16, regular library hours (see above), Mt. Sanitas room

Volunteers

If you are interested in assisting with this effort, please sign up here. We will be in touch as soon as we can.

Monetary Donations

Cash donations are greatly needed at this time. If you are able to make a financial contribution, we recommend donating to the following funds:

Boulder County Wildfire Fund (administered by the Community Foundation of Boulder County)

Impact on Education (foundation supporting BVSD students & families)