(Culver City, CA) Nov. 1, 2019 – The Exceptional Children’s Foundation (ECF) is kicking off a holiday Toy Drive with a goal of providing at least one gift for each of the 750 young children and students with special needs served through the ECF Early Start program and Kayne Eras School.

The ECF programs provide life-changing services for young children and students faced with developmental, learning and emotional challenges. According to ECF President and CEO Scott Bowling, “Most of the children we serve live in families who struggle to make ends meet. We want to make sure that every one of them receives at least one gift this holiday season, and that’s why we’re reaching out to the community to participate in our Toy Drive.”

To donate toys or to host a toy drive with coworkers, friends or group members, visit ECF.net/toydrive for details or contact Lisa Kelly at lkelly@ecf.net. The site provides a list of toys that are fun and appropriate for children with special needs; access to ECF’s Amazon gift list where you can purchase toys and send them directly to ECF; information on hosting a toy drive for ECF; and a form to make a donation to purchase toys on your behalf.

About ECF Kayne Eras School

ECF’s Kayne Eras School is a nonpublic special education school for students in grades K-12. Most Kayne Eras School students have eligibilities including emotional disturbance, autism, intellectual disability, other health impairment and specific learning disability. Kayne Eras School offers individualized and specialized services to address these challenges, including: language, speech and occupational therapies; individual and group counseling; and additional adult assistance.

About ECF Early Start

ECF’s Early Start program provides early intervention and educational services for young children who are developmentally delayed or disabled from birth to three years of age, and their families. Children served may be challenged with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, speech and language impairments, traumatic brain injuries or other disabilities or delays. Early childhood education and therapeutic services, including occupational, speech and physical therapies, are offered in both community integrated center-based settings as well as home visits, to enhance child development while also providing critical support to parents and other family members.

About Exceptional Children’s Foundation

Exceptional Children’s Foundation (ECF) provides the highest quality services for children and adults who are challenged with developmental, learning and emotional disabilities – empowering them to reach their greatest potential. Each year, ECF serves more than 5,000 clients and their families at 15 program sites, in clients' homes, and in community settings throughout Los Angeles County. ECF is the only organization of its kind in California to provide a lifespan of services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Learn more at ECF.net