For The Kid: 20 Years of Giving

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt

 The Toy Party by For The Kid In All Of Us has become a beloved tradition for many in Atlanta, as attendees can enjoy music and entertainment while also making a difference in the lives of children. Ahead of the holiday season, we spoke to board president Stacy Brown about how the Toy Party has impacted the community for 20 years by raising funds for toys and collecting toys for children in need all over Atlanta.

It seems like For The Kid In All Of Us just hosted the successful Backpack In the Park event, and now it’s almost time for the annual Toy Party. How is the planning of one of Atlanta’s biggest holiday parties going? 

Planning for the Toy Party has been well underway for the entire year. We are excited to welcome everyone to the largest Holiday event. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there to help us celebrate the generosity of the Atlanta community.  

This year marks a special occasion: 20 years of giving! Congratulations! How do you plan to celebrate that at this year’s Toy Party? 

We have many things to celebrate, including honored guests from the original board that started FTK, entertainment, food, specialty cocktails, and, of course, our incredible silent auction that helps raise money to purchase toys for kids during the holiday season. 

Holiday party aside, FTK’s mission is to collect toys and raise funds for toys for children in need all over metro Atlanta. How do you plan to fulfill that meaningful mission this year? 

One of our missions includes the Lynn Barfield Bike Fund. Lynn, former board president and community advocate, passed away unexpectedly last December 8, 2022.  She had an incredible love for providing bikes for kids. Our goal is to provide 15-20 bikes each year to kids during the giving season.   

With the ambitious goal to collect more toys than ever at the Toy Party, you are set to make an impact on so many children’s lives again this year. Can you share how you have made an impact over the past 20 years?

Over the past 20 years, we have collected and distributed over 72,000 toys, and over the past 18 years, we have collected and distributed over 48,500 backpacks filled with school supplies. Both have been able to help over 20 plus beneficiaries over the past 20 years. This year, with new beneficiaries in our distribution lists, our ask is the largest ever, with over 8,000 toys. Our goal is to collect and distribute 5,000 toys, but we think that with the community’s assistance, we could reach and exceed our initial goal and hit 8,000. 

Even if you can’t attend the Toy Party, there are plenty of ways that the community can support. Can you tell us more?

There are many ways to assist. Donate, volunteer, sponsor, and become a board member.  Visit us at forthekid.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook to learn more about how you can support our work. And maybe become a part of the board. 

Looking beyond the Toy Party, what’s in store for FTK?

Without our sponsors and community fundraisers, FTK would not be able to make an impact on the community. We would love to expand our circle of partners and make a much larger impact. If you, your organization, or your place of work are considering getting more involved, please visit forthekid.org/our-sponsors to learn more.  

Anything else you’d like to add? 

Thank you to all who have been patrons, sponsors, family, friends, and former board members over the past 20 years. Without each of you, we would not have been able to make any of this possible. Cheers to the 20 Year, and we will see you at the Toy Party & Silent Auction on December 3, 2023, at the Biltmore Ballrooms in Midtown Atlanta.  And don’t forget to purchase your tickets!