\t\t\t\tLearning Express Toys values being \u201cyour local neighborhood toy store.\u201d Part of that means being a good neighbor by helping organizations in our local communities.<\/p>\n
It all started in 1987. Learning Express, Inc. was originally founded as a way to raise funds for a school in Groton, Massachusetts. That value of generosity has remained a key part of our franchise system as we\u2019ve grown to over 120 locations nationwide. Each store owner partners with local schools, foundations, charities, and parent-teacher organizations to help local kids and families.<\/p>\n
As a recent example, Learning Express Toys of Lake Zurich, Illinois hosted a shopping spree for a local family in need in partnership with the Dave Farbaky Foundation and Aloha Construction. Four sisters had 90 seconds to run around the store with large bag each and grab as many toys as they wanted. The foundation\u2019s purpose is to foster \u201crandom acts of kindness\u201d for families in need.<\/p>\n
Store owner Rick Derr was moved by the experience of helping the family.<\/p>\n
[x_blockquote cite=”Rick Derr, Owner, Learning Express Toys of Lake Zurich, IL” type=”left”]”At the end, after the four girls shopped, I said, ‘I want to thank you for shopping here and providing us a glimpse of giving,'” Rick told the Chicago Tribune. “One of them, about 7 years old, said, ‘No, I want to thank you.’ And they all looked you in the eye. I felt they were literally good kids. I thanked their mother, too. They were humble.”[\/x_blockquote]<\/p>\n