When Tyler was just 10 months old he was fatally entrapped in the side of a drop-side crib. For years Tyler’s parents would find the very crib that strangled Tyler being advertised in stores as #1 for safety. In the hopes of saving the lives of other children and improving product safety, Tyler’s family has shared his story with KID. “Tyler still has work to do on earth”, says Tyler’s mom, Michele.
Today, Tyler’s story has inspired his family and his community to come together for children’s product safety. Seventh grade students in Michele’s class at Jonas E. Salk Middle School started a fundraiser, “Tyler’s Teddies,” to benefit KID’s lifesaving work. Students sold colorful teddy bears during their lunch periods and encouraged their peers to give the bears as gifts to friends and family.
“It feels great to be giving back because it is near the holidays so there’s a lot of joy going around,” added seventh-grader Vanessa Monnielo. “It’s about giving teddies and making people feel happy.”
“We have really been focusing this year on the concept of paying it forward,” said Michelle. “I’m hoping that the students are able to realize that in giving, especially around the holiday season, they can really pay it forward to their community and families and understand the meaning of what the holidays are all about.”
We love seeing families advocating in their communities for safer children’s products, and we are so grateful for the support of students and staff at Jonas E. Salk Middle School. If you’re interested in partnering with KID for fundraising please contact us, or donate directly here. Click here to read more about Tyler’s story.
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