Hello! We were tagged on Instagram last week by a fellow #stonzfamily mom and struck up a conversation with her. After hearing her story about a little project she and her son started during social distancing, we couldn't help but share it with you too.
Meet Elise Rubino - mama to Kian (21 months old) and a special educator living in a small town just outside of Burlington, Vermont, USA. She and her family love the outdoors and spend as much time in their mountains and rivers as possible, which is why they love Kian's Stonz gear.
Ever since the COVID-19 social distancing and quarantine efforts, Elise found that all the libraries and schools in her town closed down temporarily and her students were starting to finish their books that they brought home. They were getting bored, and people around her were losing jobs. Elise started thinking of ways to help.
Elise had a lot of books available and she knew that people can't eat on an empty stomach, so she and Kian filled up a bin with books and non-perishable food for their neighbors to enjoy. For the books, Elise put in everything from Roald Dahl to romance novels so there is something for everyone's reading style. She also added labels of their home address on the cover of each book so people could return them for other bin-visiters to read too. However, Elise wasn't too attached to the books so if they didn't bring them back, she wouldn't be too worried about it. For food, they tried to include items that people would enjoy eating like chips, mac and cheese, canned fruit, etc.
Kian loves “helping” so his job was to hand Elise the books while she put the address labels on each of them - then he helped her fill the bin. Note: Elise is big into teaching him how to put away his blocks and toys, so this was a fun activity. After the bin was completely filled, Kian and Elise made a "Books 2 Borrow" sign for their neighbors and carried everything outside to the front of their house.
Immediately it was accessed by their neighbors - Elise and Kian even like to wave from their home window to fellow visitors! From time to time, they also like to check the bin to see if they need to add to it or adjust the sign.
After speaking to Elise, we realized how communities really do come together to support one another during troubled times. It also put into perspective the difference we can make in people's lives, and how we truly have the power to reach out and brighten someone's day.
We thought this was an amazing story and we know there are more of you out there too, making your own waves within your community. Let us know your story and tag us on Instagram or Facebook. It's time to come together and come out stronger.
Have an amazing weekend #stonzfamily!
Xoxo,
The Stonz Team
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AWARDS & PRESSStonz as recognized through awards, by the press and as seen in the media. |
Stonz products have received numerous awards over the years, having been tested by savvy reviewers and professionals based on value, functionality, quality and product appeal. In addition to the below, Stonz products have been recognized by Creative Child Magazine, Red Tricycle, the National Parenting Center and others.
Stonz Booties are certified by the Canadian Podiatric Medical Association as a product that promotes the development of young feet.
Here are just some of the latest mentions of Stonz in the media.
‘The Best Kids' Snow Boots You Can Buy’
Featuring our Trek Winter Boots.
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‘Hacks for Those Travelling With Kids’
A segment with Mom blogger Jessica Hall.
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‘The Best Mittens You Can Buy’
Featuring our Baby Mitts as best mittens for babies.
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‘Best Products for Babies and Kids’
Featuring our Toddler Booties.
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‘36 Adorable Rain Boots for Kids’
April showers don't have to be gloomy.
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CTV News Hour Ottawa – ‘Top Pics’
Mompreneurs share their top holiday picks for kids.
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‘Sun Savvy’
Stonz introduces sun-sational UPF line.
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Some familiar faces spotted in Stonz products!
Erika Christensen, of Parenthood fame, took her daughter for a Fall outing wearing her Polka Dot Booties!