A Texas toy company located in Rockport is partnering with Houston Children's Charity and other "kid-friendly" non-profits throughout the state to celebrate Christmas and the coming holiday season a little early this year by giving away every other toy it makes to children in Texas hospitals and shelters.
From now through Dec. 24, Stickman Stew, LLC, maker of a line of plush stick figures called "Stickman Stew" and "The Gold Heart Crew" will donate one toy character from its inventory for every toy purchased online.
Houston Children's Charity is the first non-profit to partner with Stickman Stew. The well-known Houston organization will distribute the toys to underprivileged, abused and disabled children in greater Houston. In its 17-year history, Houston Children's Charity has provided assistance to more than 265 child support agencies.
"We are beyond grateful for the Stickman Stew donation," said Sherry Self, HCC's administrative director. "The toys are just adorable and we love the tag 'peaceful and gentle soul who helps his friends be the most kind they can be'."
Self said many of the toys will be given to children in Houston's 4th ward, a particularly impoverished area.
"We decided the best way to celebrate Christmas and the holidays was to 'pay it forward' and give away toys to Texas kids who could use a little sunshine," said Jane Guinn, founder of the plush-toy company and creator of Stickman Stew. The toy giveaway supports the company's mission to help children understand the importance of respect.
The company has offered to donate its toys to other Texas non-profits for the children they serve. "Kid-friendly" non-profits throughout the state can contact Stickman Stew by visiting
stickmanstew.com/non-profits/.
The toys are based on the iconic stick-like figures cavemen drew on their caves 20,000 years ago and children still draw today.
"Parents like our toys because they don't require batteries. They're powered by a kid's imagination," Guinn said, "and they're posable, so kids can act out stories about being respectful and following the Golden Rule."
Stickman Stew recently won the Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval, from America's largest volunteer testing company. The toys sell for $7-10.