At Macaroni Kid Roanoke, we love highlighting the people and events that make Roanoke special. ToyLikeMe at Roanoke College is definitely at the top of our list of incredible community happenings!
ToyLikeMe at Roanoke College is a coalition of students, student groups, faculty, and staff , modeled after a program in the United Kingdom that was founded by Frances Bosch, Biology professor at Roanoke College. The group gives mainstream toys a makeover to reflect disabilities and medical issues and are given to children at Carillon Clinic and other children in the community who are nominated to receive them. On an international level, ToyLikeMe advocates for change in the toy industry and leads meaningful discussions on the importance of representation of all children in toys.
Not only do the toys bring the children joy, they also teach the students at Roanoke College to be more understanding of others with disabilities and different medical needs. Some of the modifications made to the toys include adding casts, feeding tubes, cochlear implants and more. Although the group's biggest effort is during the holiday season as they work up to their Santa Claus Toy Drive, the group also tries to modify and giveaway toys for Valentine’s (mid-February), Spring Basket (March/April), and during May Term class. During the summer, when Roanoke College is not in session, Professor Bosch manages and fills the toy requests herself.
Nominate a Child
If you know a child with a medical conditions or special needs that would love to have a toy that is modified to be like them or perhaps you know a child that is getting ready to undergo a big surgery that will change their appearance or abilities. A special toy could help with this transition. You may nominate a child by writing to Frances Bosch bosch@roanoke.edu. You do not need to reveal the name or identify of the child, only what is needed to know to modify the toy. All information will be kept private.
Volunteer or Donate
Volunteers are needed to help with modifications year round. In addition, a special project is being planned to sew weighted blankets. The ‘blankets’ for this project are actually the size of pillow cases, and are each filled in a specific manner with 5 lbs. of polybeads. The blankets fit on an individual’s lap, giving comfort, and makes it possible for a family to go to dinner or go to a movie.
ToyLikeMe at Roanoke College depends on the generosity of the community to fund the purchase of toys and the materials needed to make the modifications. Monetary donations can be made to ToyLikeMe at Roanoke College at this link: www.roanoke.edu/giveToyLikeMe
If you would like to nominate a child or get involved with ToyLikeMe, please contact Ms. Frances E. Bosch '99 at bosch@roanoke.edu.
