Robotics Team hosting electronic toy collection

    Hononegah’s Stateline Robotics Team is holding a toy drive to collect electronic toys to be adapted so that children with limited motor skills can still play.

    After making a wheelchair for two children with limited mobility, the team has learned the struggles of children with motor skill challenges.

    “Our team’s goal is to make play accessible for everyone; automated toys are nearly impossible to play with for children with limited mobility, so our team aims to fix that. We are rewiring the toys to have larger, sensitive buttons so it’s easier for everyone to play with them,” representatives said.

    After applying for a grant and attending an interview with “In Youth We Trust” – a council that gives out money to help fund community service projects – the team was awarded the grant that paid for some toys and buttons.

    “However, to make this project even more successful, we need your help. If you’re interested in donating, we are accepting donations in the school library,” they said.

    Please donate new automated toys (like the one pictured) that you need to squeeze or press a part of it to dance, play audio, and so on, because team members can’t rewire toys that don’t have wires.

    If you’re unsure about what to donate or want to help but don’t have any suitable toys to give, the team also accepts monetary donations, which will be used to buy toys.

    The collection of toys ends on Feb. 23 to allow enough time before the season ends to get them all rewired.

    “Once they are done, we will work with organizations like the Winnebago County Special Education Co-op to get them to children that can use them within our community,” team representatives said.