CONNOR’S TOY BOXES
One of our favorite programs is building, filling and delivering Connor’s Toy Boxes in Africa and the US. In Connor’s five short years, he made such and impact as a sweet, kind and happy little boy who was loved by so many people. His legacy continues as we collect and distribute toys and games in his name to share with children around the world.
Mama Jane’s Orphanage holds a special place in the hearts of Connor’s family. There is a classroom named in his honor and the first of many toy boxes was dedicated in his name when his Nana (Susan) and cousin (Acadia) visited Mama Jane’s in 2019 with the team from Scott Willis Legacy Foundation.
The children at Mama Jane’s make wooden toy boxes and paint them with Connor’s name. On the inside lid, the toy box is donated in honor or memory of someone. We purchase these toy boxes from Mama Jane so she and her children can generate revenue for their needs. To date, they have constructed 21 Connor’s Toy Boxes.
Once Connor’s Toy Boxes are built, our partner in Tanzania, Kundael Molla, stocks them with toys and delivers them to schools and orphanages in the areas that have the greatest need. We share with donors, photos of the toy boxes being delivered and the children enjoying the toys.
The first toy box was delivered to NASA Nursery School. The second toy box was delivered to Msamaria Center for Street Children. We supported them with sporting equipment and school supplies but we are excited to have a Connor’s Toy Box as well. The third toy box was delivered to Reach the Unreached Orphanage which we visited during our trip. It holds such special meaning to Susan and Acadia. Faraja Orphanage for HIV Positive Children received a toy box as did Jubilance Orphanage and Shades of Hope Academy.
On Christmas Day 2019, a toy box donated by Howard County Physical Therapy in memory of their beloved sister and friend, Diane Geier Hook, was delivered to the Bethlehem Children’s Center. A second toy box donated by their partner, Mady & Mules Physical Therapy in memory of Christopher Mules was delivered to Familia Ndani Ya Familia Child Care. Kibowa Children’s Home received a toy box in honor of Angelina Taylor. Huruma Orphanage received a toy box in memory of Anthony Lisanti donated by “The Porch Crew” led by traveler, Carmela Hladki. The Tumaini for Africa Children’s Village received a toy box in memory of Connor’s “Bubs” donated by Connor’s Nana, Susan Skiles.
In June 2020, Flamboyant Special School in Mazabuka Zambia constructed a toy box in memory of Connor’s great grandmother, Shirley Skiles who passed away in May. This toy box was funded by friends of the Skiles family. The special needs children at Flamboyant made the toy box and are now busy making the toys to go inside.
During our visit in May/June 2023, we restocked 11 toy boxes and delivered 10 new toy boxes. These included a toy box for:
Tuleeni Orphanage in memory of Lola Petraglia
Global Orphanage in memory of Dennis Dean
Selian Lutheran Hospital in memory of Karen Rosenblat
Evenerate Orphanage in memory of John Kirsch
Kilidiomedielimu Project Foundation, Moshi in honor of Val & Liam Fuller
Kindness Children’s Care Orphanage in memory of Greg Redmer, Jr.
Hope Orphanage in memory of Daniel Steck
Power the Children Orphanage donated in memory of Danielle Steck
Faraja Farijika Foundation Orphanage donated in memory of Dougie
Mt. Meru Hospital donated in memory of Angel Elizabeth
Perhaps you know of a family, group or office that would want to cover the cost of construction, stocking and delivery of the toy box ($750). If your family, friends, club or company can sponsor a Connor’s Toy Box please let us know.
Connor’s Mom told us that she loves when people say his name. Kathleen, we can assure you that the children in Africa know his name and they will speak it every time they grab a toy from Connor’s Toy Box to play with. Asante Sana.
