Community Corner
EcoManiacs to Host Inaugural Toy Store Day, Toy Drive in La Grange
EcoManiac's, the first green-certified business in the Chicago area, will host its inaugural Toy Store Day and Toy Drive Celebration to benefit the Ronald McDonald House this weekend.
EcoManiacs, the first Chicago-area business to be green-certified through the Illinois Green Business Association, is launching a new tradition this weekend with its first annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day and Toy Drive celebration on Saturday, Nov. 9.
The event is part of the American Specialty Toy Retailers Association's nationally-sponsored annual Toy Store Day, and the store will collect gently-used toys to benefit the Ronald McDonald House at Loyola, EcoManiacs owner Leah Kroeger said Monday.
But Kroeger, who has always been involved with helping children and the community, decided to take the day to another level by partnering with other La Grange businesses.
What started as a day centered around toys has grown to include collection spots for toys, toiletries, food, winter clothes and other necessities that businesses will donate to the BEDS PLUS Care shelter in La Grange.
Isn't That Sweet bakery, 21A S. La Grange Rd., will collect nonperishable food items and reward donors with a mini salted caramel cupcake, said Kroeger.
Nest Vintage Modern, 26 S. La Grange Rd., will collect toiletries and new and used blankets and The Hot Dog Company, 76 S. La Grange Rd., will collect mittens, gloves and scarves to donate to BEDS PLUS Care shelter.
The Hope Chest, 717 W. Hillgrove Ave., will collect apparel for women and children, also to donate to BEDS.
La Grange's new family-owned and socially conscious business, EcoManiacs, held its grand opening in September, after opening its doors at 74 S. La Grange Rd. in December 2012.
Part of running an environmentally-friendly business is giving back, said Kroeger. "Everything old is new again to somebody else."
Owned and managed by a mother-daughter team, EcoManiacs is "dedicated to helping the local community come together about sustainable lifestyle choices, and brings unique and informative classes & workshops about healthy lifestyles and going green, for community members at any age," according to the release.
The event is part of the American Specialty Toy Retailers Association's nationally-sponsored annual Toy Store Day, and the store will collect gently-used toys to benefit the Ronald McDonald House at Loyola, EcoManiacs owner Leah Kroeger said Monday.
But Kroeger, who has always been involved with helping children and the community, decided to take the day to another level by partnering with other La Grange businesses.
What started as a day centered around toys has grown to include collection spots for toys, toiletries, food, winter clothes and other necessities that businesses will donate to the BEDS PLUS Care shelter in La Grange.
Isn't That Sweet bakery, 21A S. La Grange Rd., will collect nonperishable food items and reward donors with a mini salted caramel cupcake, said Kroeger.
Nest Vintage Modern, 26 S. La Grange Rd., will collect toiletries and new and used blankets and The Hot Dog Company, 76 S. La Grange Rd., will collect mittens, gloves and scarves to donate to BEDS PLUS Care shelter.
The Hope Chest, 717 W. Hillgrove Ave., will collect apparel for women and children, also to donate to BEDS.
La Grange's new family-owned and socially conscious business, EcoManiacs, held its grand opening in September, after opening its doors at 74 S. La Grange Rd. in December 2012.
Part of running an environmentally-friendly business is giving back, said Kroeger. "Everything old is new again to somebody else."
Owned and managed by a mother-daughter team, EcoManiacs is "dedicated to helping the local community come together about sustainable lifestyle choices, and brings unique and informative classes & workshops about healthy lifestyles and going green, for community members at any age," according to the release.
EcoManiacs carries organic, recycled merchandise, or things that are sustainable and fair trade or socially conscious. The focus is on early childhood toys and books, but there's a lot for adults to, including clothing and candles.
Read more about EcoManiacs here.
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