Other Programs

Annual Gift Flyer:

Each November, prior to Thanksgiving, we issue our Annual Gift Flyer in which we urge parents and adult gift givers to think seriously about the type and kind of gifts they give to young people. We urge that they choose gifts that help young people to grow and develop into responsible persons. At the same time, we urge rejection of gifts that are based on solving problems through violence. For several years we distributed the Flyer through newspaper ads and home distribution through the schools. More recently, we are distributing the Flyer through a local bank that includes a copy with mailed bank statements. We are also urging churches to print the Flyer in their bulletins.

To order a copy of the Annual Gift Flyer, click here.

Violent Toy Turn Ins:

As a wonderful way to teach violence reduction to the entire community, we urge families with young children to talk about violence in a family setting to determine how each member of the family might reduce violence in their lives. Children can decide whether any of their toys are violent toys.

After gaining the cooperation of local merchants to provide non-violent replacements for every violent toy turned in, toys are brought to a central collection site. Even young children can participate in reducing violence. They can be given a Peacemaker Certificate  to present to cooperating merchants to gain a new  nonviolent toy, a discount on books, free ice cream, etc.  They may also sign a Pledge of Nonviolence.

The violent toys that are turned in can be made into a peace sculpture or disposed of in other acceptable ways.

To request more information on planning and conducting a Violent Toy Turn-In, click here.

Family Play Day:

This is a great activity for winter-time when cabin fever is rampant! It involves obtaining use of a large indoor area, such as a gymnasium. Set up ten or more play stations for activities, such as face painting, building blocks, blowing bubbles, sketching quilt squares, dress-ups, storytelling, drama, tumbling, etc., etc. It can also be done out-of-doors when the weather is more receptive.

This is a time for inviting parents to come and play with their children for several hours. This is a time for bonding with their children. This is NOT A TIME for free child care.

To request more information on how to plan and conduct a Family Play Day, click here.