Families are finding themselves stuck at home during an extended spring break this year due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but that doesn’t mean fun can’t be had.
For the past week, The Toy Chest has been taking orders and delivering personalized packages to customers within a 25-mile radius of Nashville, costing anywhere from $6.99 to $200.
Customers tell The Toy Chest about their family, pick a theme and dollar amount, and employees will build a surprise package.
“Basically, we’re doing the shopping for you and wrap it up and deliver it,” shop owner Hilary Key said.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]They’re also trying a birthday gift option. With parties and gatherings of more than 10 people being canceled, they wanted to offer something for a child who would have otherwise had a party. Birthday packages are $30.
Pre-made Easter egg hunts and baskets also might become options.
As of midweek last week, The Toy Chest had completed more than 90 orders. The deliveries are making up for a lot of business that has been lost due to pandemic closings and quarantines.
“We make all of our first money of the year on spring break,” Key said.
On March 23, Key posted on Facebook that Gov. Eric Holcomb’s recent order that Hoosiers should remain in their homes for the next two weeks will not affect their deliveries since they can be done without making contact with customers.
The Toy Chest in Nashville is currently closed, but orders for packages are still being taken.
This maneuver has provided the business with a comforting outlook in a trying time. “I feel much better than we did a week ago,” she said.
With parents working from home and kids staying home from school, it’s a goal of The Toy Chest’s to see screen time stay at a minimum.
“A lot of parents are actively requesting things for adults to do with their kids and on their own,” Key said.
Two boxes were also ordered for adults who don’t have kids.
Boxes also can be purchased on a sponsorship basis. Key said that one of the most encouraging things she has seen is people buying a delivery for those who don’t have the money. Two $100 boxes have been purchased for others so far.
“Your faith in humanity gets a little stronger when you see people do stuff like that,” Key said.
As long as they’re allowed to deliver in the community, they’ll be doing just that, Key said.
“We’re literally delivering happiness, and it feels so good to do.”
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Visit browncountytoychest.com or call 812-988-2817 to order a package.
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