Posted on Mar 31, 2022
This toy maker wanted to help Ukrainian refugees. The response stunned him
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https://www.npr.org/2022/03/31/ [login to see] /ukraine-ukrainian-refugees-lego-zelenskyy-collectible
It didn't take long for Citizen Brick to sell out of its custom LEGO-based figurine of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Their tiny Molotov cocktails featuring the Ukrainian flag went just as fast.
"We just wanted to do a small fundraising effort," says owner Joe Trupia. "But this one seemed to hit the bull's eye with some people."
Like many others, Trupia wanted to help as he watched events unfold in Ukraine. His store decided to create and sell the tiny toys to bring attention and money for Ukraine.
They sold out within hours, raising more than $145,000 of proceeds benefiting the non-profit aid group, Direct Relief.
The demand has been extraordinary, says Trupia. The Chicago-area toy shop typically serves a tiny - but loyal - community of toy collectors, earning a reputation for making "far-out versions of the iconic LEGO mini figurines" for enthusiasts of the brand over the last 12 years.
Some of those "far-out versions" include a Girl Scout figurine named "Cookie Pusher" and a Breaking Bad inspired methlab. They've even made a strip club called the Center for the Performing Arts.
It didn't take long for Citizen Brick to sell out of its custom LEGO-based figurine of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Their tiny Molotov cocktails featuring the Ukrainian flag went just as fast.
"We just wanted to do a small fundraising effort," says owner Joe Trupia. "But this one seemed to hit the bull's eye with some people."
Like many others, Trupia wanted to help as he watched events unfold in Ukraine. His store decided to create and sell the tiny toys to bring attention and money for Ukraine.
They sold out within hours, raising more than $145,000 of proceeds benefiting the non-profit aid group, Direct Relief.
The demand has been extraordinary, says Trupia. The Chicago-area toy shop typically serves a tiny - but loyal - community of toy collectors, earning a reputation for making "far-out versions of the iconic LEGO mini figurines" for enthusiasts of the brand over the last 12 years.
Some of those "far-out versions" include a Girl Scout figurine named "Cookie Pusher" and a Breaking Bad inspired methlab. They've even made a strip club called the Center for the Performing Arts.
This toy maker wanted to help Ukrainian refugees. The response stunned him
Posted from npr.org
Toys
Legos
Ukraine
Russia
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 2
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