News Summary
Rhonda Jolyean Hale is leading the ‘Pass the Bricks’ initiative in Kansas City, ensuring children in need have access to LEGO sets. By repurposing gently used bricks, the project fosters creativity, joy, and healing, especially for families impacted by domestic violence. Collaborating with local nonprofits, Hale is building community involvement and creating sustainable joy through play.
Rhonda Jolyean Hale Leads Kansas City LEGO Initiative for Children’s Play
In the heart of Kansas City, a wonderful initiative is underway, championed by local solopreneur Rhonda Jolyean Hale. She’s become the ambassador for the Pass the Bricks project, which is all about making sure that every child has access to the amazing world of play, no matter their circumstances. With her efforts, children are not just getting toys; they’re receiving comfort, creativity, and a chance for joy.
A Mission to Play
The whole idea behind Pass the Bricks is to take gently used LEGO bricks that might otherwise just collect dust in attics or go to waste. Rhonda and her team work hard to wash, clean, and sanitize these pieces before turning them into complete sets ready for donation. It’s a labor of love and a fantastic way to recycle! The initiative started out in California, founded by a young teenager named Charlie Jeffers, who has sparked a movement to collect LEGO bricks from all corners to create something truly magical for children in need.
A Helping Hand for Those in Crisis
In Kansas City, the efforts don’t stop there. Rhonda’s chapter collaborates closely with nonprofit organizations like the Rose Brooks Center, which is dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence. For families at Rose Brooks, leaving everything behind often means losing not just possessions but also comfort and familiarity. This is where a simple LEGO set—albeit not brand new—can truly shine. These colorful bricks provide a sense of stability and spark imagination during rough times.
Creative Healing
Art therapists at the Rose Brooks Center creatively incorporate these donated LEGO sets into therapy sessions, giving children a way to express themselves freely. It’s amazing how something as simple as building with LEGO can foster feelings of mindfulness and comfort. Rhonda knows firsthand how therapeutic this process can be. While dealing with her own health struggles, sorting and preparing these LEGO sets became her own source of healing.
Community at Its Best
The Kansas City community has rallied around this initiative in colossal ways. Residents have been donating their once-loved LEGO collections and showing up to lend a hand with washing, sorting, and packaging the bricks. It’s heartwarming to see so many people pitch in, showing true community spirit. Rhonda’s vision doesn’t stop here; she is eager to reach out to more schools and clubs, planning to involve high school students in the designing and packaging of these play kits. Imagine a future where students could take part in this unique project, learning valuable skills while giving back!
Sustainable Artifacts of Joy
Rhonda fondly refers to the repurposed LEGO sets as “sustainable artifacts of joy.” It’s a catchy way to describe how these little blocks are not only reducing waste but becoming symbols of happiness for kids who need it the most. As she leads her workshops for LEGO Serious Play through her business, Jolyean Creative, she’s able to instill problem-solving skills and innovation among participants, making building blocks and imaginative play more than just fun—it’s a way to build a better future.
Get Involved!
Rhonda encourages everyone in the Kansas City area to chip in. Unused LEGO bricks? They will find a loving home. Interested in volunteering? There’s always the need for helping hands to wash and sort the donations. She’s on the lookout for support with boxes and supplies as the initiative grows. The Pass the Bricks project is all about creating a true community effort, with people giving back to people, and every little bit counts.
So, if you have some LEGO bricks lying around or are looking for a way to spread kindness, consider helping Rhonda and her amazing team. Together, they’re building a brighter, more playful future for the children of Kansas City!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Startland News: Rhonda Jolyean Hale Leads Kansas City LEGO Initiative for Children’s Play
- Wikipedia: LEGO
- Startland News: Kansas City Leaders Initiate Children’s Support Programs
- Google Search: LEGO Play Therapy
- Startland News: Rose Brooks Center Collaborates with Local Initiatives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Play Therapy
- Startland News: Community Service Projects in Kansas City
- Google News: LEGO Digital Creativity
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
