Eastern State Penitentiary Toy Drive for Children Impacted by Incarceration
Eastern State Penitentiary is launching a toy drive for children impacted by incarceration.
Making the program even more appealing:
Please consider donating a new toy or children’s book, in its original packaging (but please no gift wrap), and receive a coupon for “Buy One, Get One Free” daytime tour admission.
Who benefits from the toys?
- One in 28 American children has a parent in prison.
- In Pennsylvania alone, there are approximately 81,000 children with a parent incarcerated in a Pennsylvania state prison.
Which toys are best?
Donations of toys and books that support children’s imaginations, literacy skills, self-esteem, and creativity, from infancy through age 12, are recommended.
Where do we drop off?
Individuals may drop off donations at the penitentiary even if they are not planning to take a tour. Items can also be purchased online and shipped directly to the penitentiary:
ATTN: Toy Drive
Eastern State Penitentiary
2027 Fairmount Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19130
“Last year, we were able to collect more than 1,700 toys and books for local children with currently or recently incarcerated parents,” said Sean Kelley, Eastern State Penitentiary’s Senior Vice President, Director of Interpretation. “We can do even more! For many of us, the winter season is spent with loved ones, sharing meals, perhaps exchanging gifts, and celebrating family traditions with one another. But for the children of the 2 million people incarcerated in America right now, this can be an especially hard time of year. Let’s spread some joy and bring light to these children! Many people who donate to our toy drive tell us that this has become a highlight of their holiday season.”
Eastern State Penitentiary distributes the toys and books to families separated by incarceration through a series of community partners:
Ardella’s House
Cecil B Moore Recreation Center
Frontline Dads
Institute for Community Justice
Mothers In Charge
Mural Arts Philadelphia
Northwest Victim Services
PAR-Recycle Works
Philadelphia Department of Prisons
Prince Hall Philadelphia – Phoenix Lodge #3
Sisters Returning Home
TCRC Community Healing Center
Village of Arts & Humanities
Why Not Prosper
Find more information HERE.
~ Kristen
