Out of business toy store owner donates all toys to charity for kids battling cancer

It takes a big heart to help others even as your business falls prey to the ongoing financial crisis. A small business owner from Michigan did just that after losing her business on account of the pandemic. Marie Liburdi, who owned 'Teaching Toys' donated her store's inventory to Bottomless Toy Chest at Canterbury Village after watching a segment on FOX 2 about a toy drive at Canterbury Village benefiting The Bottomless Toy Chest, an organization that delivers toys to pediatric cancer patients. Liburdi wanted to do good and spread joy among kids during what has been a bleak year for most across America. "It's financial devastation for many small businesses," said Liburdi, reported Fox 13 News. "I don't know one toy store where kids can't come in and touch and play and try and use materials … Coronavirus and germs, it's just a no-win situation." 

The Bottomless Toy Chest was started by Mickey Guisewite after her now-grown son beat pediatric cancer. Guisewite, who's also the executive director of the charity, said the aim of the organization was to "empower children through the magic of toys." Marie Liburdi was severely hit financially after two of her business went under because of the economic crash. Liburdi donated thousands of toys from her business to help the charity deliver toys to children. Everything isn't about business, says Marie Liburdi. Guisewite hailed Liburdi for her donation. "To get these toys at this time is really going to help us not only be able to continue our program but to expand it," said Guisewite.

Bottomless Toy Chest has also been donating toys to families affected by the floods for Christmas this year in Midland County United Way. Parents get to pick presents for their children from tables filled with toys. Bottomless Toy Chest runs toy drives in partnership with many brands and local communities. “We’re not going to let a flood, or Coronavirus or anything get in the way of the joy and hope that we experience during the Christmas season. Joy should be available to anyone especially this time of year and we’re just trying to do what we can to help share a little bit of joy,” said Mickey Guisewite, Founder of Bottomless Toy Chest, reported 9 & 10 News. You can get more information on The Bottomless Toy Chest on their Facebook page. 

It's been an incredibly hard time for children during the pandemic, especially with many watching their parents lose jobs and worry about making ends meet. As we reported, the letters written to the United States Postal Service's Operation Santa program gave us a window into the devastating effects of the pandemic on families. The tone of letters has been drastically different from that of previous years with many kids seeking help and requesting basic necessities for their family. USPS employees have highlighted this issue and called on Americans to help answer and fulfill them. "The program has always been about providing holiday gifts for families who may not have the means to provide for anything more than basic everyday needs," said USPS spokesperson Kimberly Frum. "This year, there are likely more families impacted financially and emotionally."

"2020 has seen its share of challenges affecting individuals and families in so many ways. Coronavirus resulted in job losses, temporary unemployment, and, sadly, the loss of family and friends," added Frum, reported People. "Couple that with the devastation from natural disasters, and it’s easy to see why the USPS' Operation Santa program is more important than ever." Many innocent kids have even asked Santa Clause to come up with a cure for Coronavirus. "Being able to provide even the tiniest bit of normalcy or spark of happiness to those in need would mean the world to so many people right now. The holidays are about kindness, joy, love, family, and friends," added Frum.