Ten years ago, Jennifer Sandmann decided to celebrate her New Year’s Eve birthday by asking friends and family to bring unwrapped toys to her party. The toys were given to shelters housing children seeking refuge from domestic violence.
At this year’s Sandmann Toy Drive, guests were encouraged to wear purple as a stand against domestic violence. The event attracted 300 attendees who brought more than $10,500 worth of toys and items to support families in Kentucky and Ohio. (For comparison purposes, the first year resulted in 12 toys.)
Nine volunteers assist Sandmann with the party and subsequent toy deliveries. Marsha Croxton, executive director of the Women’s Crisis Center, spoke at the event. And, thanks to the Newport Aquarium’s WAVE Foundation, guests were able to participate in a penguin encounter.
Photos courtesy of Framester, the Photobooth Unboxed