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calls began coming for domestic donations— for children whose families had lost their homes in house fires, or those living in the foster system— they knew their plans had to broaden.
The couple since has merged the online business with The Toy Chest’ s website. Now, upon buying an item in-store or online, customers can opt to buy a second item at half-cost to donate.
And with an inventory of about 10,000 items, The Toy Chest boasts options for every child or child-at-heart. Customers are delighted to find high-quality, popular brands including Melissa & Doug and Calico Critters, heirloom gifts ranging from Russian nesting dolls to china tea sets, and whimsical oddities like The Original Pocket Farkel.
Hilary hopes the buy-one, give-one toy store model is so successful that the Nashville business someday becomes the flagship location of a growing company. She also plans to eventually manufacture her own toys, to reduce mark-up and increase her giving power.
For now, the Keys are concentrating their efforts on increasing the store’ s visibility, online and to those within visiting distance. Hilary said she wants The Toy Chest to become Brown County residents easiest and most obvious destination for birthday and Christmas presents. The couple also is hard at work perfecting plans for effective giving.
Hilary is confident that her goals at The Toy Chest will inspire others to give. She also thinks her journey into the toy industry gives hope to those who have yet to find their life’ s passion.
“ It’ s hard work, but force yourself to make a list of the most important things that make you happy. It could be your kids, or running, or cooking. If it’ s puppies, put puppies!” she said, laughing.“ Making that list and thinking outside the box about how to turn those things into my life’ s work gave me the courage to leave a path I shouldn’ t have been on. And once I had direction, I knew I could do it.”
The Toy Chest is located in the Artists Colony Shops, 125 S. Van Buren St. in Nashville, Indiana. The website is < www. browncountytoychest. com > and the phone number is( 812) 988-2817. •
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18 Our Brown County • Nov./ Dec. 2014