The Philly Specials — Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata — could use an assist from members of the toy and game industries.
This trio of gridiron greats just released its third and final holiday album, A Philly Special Christmas Party, with all proceeds benefiting Philadelphia charities, including Children’s Crisis Treatment Center’s Holiday Toy Drive, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Snowflake Station, and The Fund For The School District of Philadelphia for Operation Snowball.
When I first came to Philadelphia, it was apparent how much pride and joy, the sense of community and family this city exudes. It’s the City of Brotherly Love, and this city has supported this initiative over the past two years. We’ve done two Christmas albums, and because of your support, we’ve raised over $4 million and given to over 50 charitable organizations. And this year, we are trying to go even bigger; we’re trying to give a gift to every kid in the Philly public schools this holiday season. If that’s not the holiday spirit, I don’t know what is. That’s the Philadelphia spirit that I’ve come to know, love, and appreciate.”
Getting a gift into the hands of every kid in the Philadelphia school system is where The Toy Book’s readership comes in. The Philly Specials and Vera Y Records have already secured support from toymakers, including Just Play. Still, they could use some additional “elves” to donate new toys and games to help Operation Snowball, well, snowball.
Toy and game manufacturers interested in donating products can email Ali Mierzejewski for details: ali@toybook.com
“Operation Snowball is the culmination of the last three years and our goal to bring joy to families during the holidays,” says Vera Y Records Partner and Executive Producer, Connor Barwin. “Jason, Lane, and Jordan had this ambitious goal to use the record to bring the city together, and it’s been so fun to see other Philly athletes and celebrities want to get involved. We are over halfway there and excited to see people continue buying the record or donating to the fund to help us make this winter dream come true.”
The Toy Book’s consumer-facing sister publication, The Toy Insider, is helping raise funds through a special Black Friday promo discount code valid for purchases of the album on vinyl or CD. Simply hit this link or enter code TOYINSIDER for 20% off at checkout to score a touchdown of a deal on great holiday tunes that support some great causes.
“Operation Snowball is an incredible undertaking that reminds us all who matters most in our fight for, and investments in, public education: our children,” says Kathryn Epps, President and CEO of The Fund For the School District of Philadelphia. “As the only nonprofit organization charged with aligning philanthropic dollars with district priorities that help spur student achievement, The Fund is proud to partner on this opportunity to celebrate our children and reward them for their hard work and dedication this school year. We thank The Philly Specials and former Eagle and album executive producer, Connor Barwin, for their generous support of our students.”
Will you support the cause? Grab a CD, vinyl, or a special bundle pack today and help Operation Snowball complete its mission. And if holiday music isn’t your bag, that’s OK! Click here to donate directly to The Fund for The School District of Philadelphia.
The post Toy Industry Partners Sought to Provide Gifts for Operation Snowball appeared first on The Toy Book.
