Owen Loves Money
Owen is a very sweet six-year-old kid who has been interested in money for years, literally. When he was two, he would raid the junk drawer for coins, put them in a sock and then sleep with it under his pillow. When he was three, his interest in money had gone beyond simply acquiring cash, to realizing what fabulous things it could afford him….yes, he enthusiastically practiced “retail therapy” as a toddler with his $3 weekly allowance.

As his parents tried to keep him grounded, and honestly could not understand his passionate need for the green stuff, Owen’s grandparents actually opened a toy store just three miles from Owen’s house. Grandparent-owned toy store + 3 year old = bad combination!

Owen Hits Rock Bottom
Back to Owen’s forlorn parents who were just praying for some balance, hoping for some way to teach him about moderation, the pitfalls of greed, and the beauty of giving…When it came time to plan Owen’s 4th birthday party, an event that was a part of daily conversation for about nine months prior to the big day, his parents found out that the list of 60+ invitees he had dictated to his mom during a family road trip was so lengthy because, “if more people come, I’ll get more presents!!”

Mom’s Program for Owen’s Recovery
Owen’s mom suggested birthday party guests bring donations for a worthy cause instead of gifts. She presented this idea to Owen (gently) over a few days when finally Owen agreed (as long as he’d get SOME presents!) Owen collected about $60 for his cause! From there, Owen got “super-excited” about helping kids in need and told his parents that he knows “a lot of rich people.” So his parents decided to run with it, filing articles of incorporation for “Owen’s Toy Drive” within days following Owen’s 4th birthday!

From Owen's Parents
As parents of five children, we wanted to be sure that we are demonstrating charity, altruism and compassion. It is through Owen’s Never-Ending Toy Drive that we have found a fun way to carry out our commitment.

We created this organization to be a tool for other parents to use in their pursuit to raise thoughtful, generous and action-oriented children. It is our goal to present giving as something cool to do that makes a difference for others. And then, of course, there are the intrinsic rewards that leave kids who give with a new sense of who they are in the world!

And here’s the bottom line- children who develop the gift of giving become adults in due time. These are the adults who we want running the planet!