Thanks to a generous donation from local toy company Wild Republic, PEP’s Early Childhood Plus staff is distributing plush animals to the young children at the daycare centers served by PEP.
Wild Republic CEO Vishnu Chandran learned about PEP and its mission from PEP CEO Eric Gordon. Both serve on the Cleveland Metropark Zoo Cleveland Zoological Society’s Board of Directors.
“Our connection with PEP grew earlier this year when Eric Gordon reached out about the PEP Rally for Kids” said Chandran. “As we learned more about the work PEP does for children and families, we wanted to find a meaningful way for Wild Republic to support them. Donating plush to children through PEP’s partner early education centers felt like a natural fit for who we are and what we believe in.”
These centers receive guidance from PEP’s early childhood consultants and trainers, who help childcare center staff support young children in their care who have social, emotional, behavioral or developmental challenges.
While they are delightfully soft and cute, and the children were thrilled to receive them, the stuffed toys from Wild Republic also serve an important purpose.
According to Jim Flynn, director of PEP Early Childhood Plus and PEP Assist programs, a plush toy offers multiple benefits for young children.
“Pretend play involving nurturing and talking to stuffed animals allows children to practice kindness, role-play social scenarios, and rehearse emotional caregiving,” he said. “It also builds flexible thinking, problem-solving, and imagination.”
He continued, “Children often treat plushies as silent listeners, giving them space to practice language skills and the idea of ‘back and forth’ conversation.”
Flynn also added that holding a stuffed toy can lower stress hormones, provide a sense of physical safety, and help ease distress during a variety of situations, such as doctor’s visits.
The donation has been well received by the staff at the participating childcare centers.
Denise Collins-Bryant, director of Small Scholars University, Inc. in Lorain, said in addition to supporting social-emotional learning, the toys helped reinforce a real-life learning experience: “After a zoo visit, the children were excited to see the stuffed flamingos,” she said. “They connected the experience to their plush toys and classroom pets, retold stories, and recalled related facts.”
“It has been very cool to see the children use the toys in a variety of ways,” said Maria Fuentes, director of the Centers-Clifton in Lakewood. “Some use them as comfort items during naptime, others as a reading buddy. The funny one was a group of children using a flamingo to give CPR to a group of foxes. It was so cute.”
Giving to the community has been part of Wild Republic’s mission from the very beginning. “My grandparents started the company with a love for all living things and the belief that a company could create great toys while also giving back and making a difference. That belief continues to guide us today.
“We hope these animals bring comfort, happiness and curiosity to the children PEP serves,” said Chandran, “and we are proud to support the important work PEP is doing for children and families in our community.”
Learn More
To learn more about how PEP Early Childhood Plus supports childcare centers and if their free consultation services could benefit your program, contact Jim Flynn, director PEP Early Childhood Plus at 216-361-7760 ext. 132 or via email. Visit our website to learn more.