Symond Boschetto is on a mission to help others and share hope with those who need it the most, the homeless and sick children. He launched a non-profit Share Hope USA in Los Angeles with the belief that we can all make a difference. During the month of May, you can help his mission by donating cans of Play-Doh for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
- Tell us about the Play-Doh Drive.
The Play-Doh drive is an annual event we have every May where we collect containers of Play-Doh for the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Play-Doh is the only toy that the hospital cannot disinfect; therefore, when a child plays with it, they keep it forever. Thus, they run out of Play-Doh every year. This is our third annual drive and our goal is 22,000 containers.
- You began the drive on May 1st. How is the drive going?
It is always a challenge to collect on any drive. We are a bit behind on schedule but we hope to get the majority collected in the next two weeks.
- When will you give the Play-Doh to the kids at Children’s Hospital?
We will be delivering to the Children’s Hospital (CHLA) no later than mid-June.
- Can you tell us a story about your experience giving the kids Play-Doh last year?
It is always wonderful to give; it makes me feel good to help. These containers are not just Play-Doh they are smiles to children that are fighting something that we cannot even imagine. Last year we collected and delivered 11,800 containers of Play-Doh.
- What is your goal? How do you plan on reaching it?
Our goal this year is 22,000 containers. We can only reach this with help from the community, and your readers. This is a huge number, but with the community help, companies large and small, we can do this. Remember we are a 501(c3), so all donations can be tax donations allowed by law.
- What can people donate to help the homeless?
We have an event every 2nd Sunday of the month, what we need more than anything is water and hygiene kits. You can find what goes in a hygiene kit at my website www.sharehopeusa.com
- Where can they drop items off?
Items can (including play-doh), can be dropped off at:
LGH Ceramic
7720 Jefferson St.
Paramount, CA 90723
Mon & Fri – 10am – 5pm
Wed – thurs – 12pm – 5pm
Sat – 10am – 3pm
Items (including Play-Doh), can also be mailed to this address C/O Share Hope USA
For large donations, we can arrange to pick up.
- Are you partnering with anyone for the Play-Doh Drive?
We have so many partners.
Corner Burger – They are a local hamburger place that has been helping us for a while. They not only donate food to out monthly homeless outreach but also have is a Play-Doh drop off locations as well. That is located at 4437 W 147th St, Lawndale, CA 90260.
Inbox Graphx – They have been with us from the beginning. They help us with all our printing at little or no cost.
Lawndale Afterschool RAP – This is the second year they have helped in the collection of Play-Doh and are a huge help to reach my goal. They also use this as a way to teach their kids on how to be kind, compassionate, and a difference maker.
Afterschool All-Stars – This is our first year of partnering with them and they have been amazing. I went and spoke to about 12 different schools and they have a goal of 11,000 containers of play-doh to collect.
LGH Ceramics – They are a great small business in Bellflower CA and are also collecting for us. They are also a drop off location for Play-Doh.
The Burrito Project – They prepare hundreds of burritos for our homeless friends monthly.
All out volunteers are great because they are a constant help to us, and donate regularly.
- If I have you an opportunity to be a Difference Maker, would you take it?
A Difference Maker is someone who effects change. They take action, no matter how big or small, and by doing so change people’s worlds. Play-Doh may be a simple thing, but it means the world to a sick child that really needs a reason to smile. If you can, please donate today. If you are a company that is looking for a cause to get behind, please choose me and Share Hope USA.
- Who would you like to meet?
Oh, Ellen! – I want nothing more than to meet you. You inspire me! By your helping of others, you are changing people’s worlds. I want to do the same thing. You bring so much joy and kindness to this world; I want to meet you and thank you.
We believe that the opportunity of being a “good” person is afforded to each and everyone one of us. We all need to be good. Good mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters. Good employees, bosses, husbands, and wives. We have it in us to be good people! Symonds Share Hope USA afford us all an to be able to be “Good”. By #sharinghope with others, we are one step closer to achieving this.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sharehopeusa
Website: www.sharehopeusa.com
Interview by Jules Lavallee
