Kids at Play Foundation informally started back in 2016 when founder Julia Bookbinder was working as a Social Worker in the Early Intervention system. Early Intervention is a free federally funded program for families with children from birth – five years old. Therapists such as Speech, Physical, Occupational and Special Instructors go out into homes, daycares and community settings to work with and coach families on helping their children reach their developmental milestones. A key aspect of Early Intervention is using the tools and resources already in the natural setting. This means not bringing into the sessions any outside toys, books or other childhood items. Julia started to meet with families and other therapists who were struggling to support their child’s development partially due to a lack of age appropriate books and toys. Upon meeting a family who had a medically fragile child and no safe way to feed them, Julia reached out on social media to see if anyone had a high chair to donate.
The response was overwhelming. Overnight strangers were offering their help and the concept of Kids at Play Foundation was born. Over the next few years, Julia drove all over the Greater Philadelphia area picking up donations to send back out into the community to families in need. Using the Early Intervention community as a base, Kids at Play Foundation started to deliver items such as diapers, clothing, toys, books, strollers, high chairs and more directly to families through their early intervention therapists. Kids at Play Foundation found its roots in Early Intervention but has expanded to any family in need of support and resources in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Childhood items in particular have a short lifespan in a family. Kids grow out of their clothing, toys, books and baby items at extremely fast rates which can lead to waste and clutter. Kids at Play Foundation aims to keep clothing, toys, books and more out of landfills while helping to provide opportunity and resources to families in need. We strive to connect communities through giving and repurposing, ultimately creating a healthier and stronger community as a whole.
