Why A Violent Toy Turn-In?

We believe that:

Human life is sacred, a gift from God.
Human life is fragile, and needs to be protected.
In Northern Ireland, in 25 years of war, 3,000 people lost their lives.*
In contrast, in the United States in 1993, 38,000 people lost their lives due to gun violence.*
15 youngsters under the age of 19 lose their lives every day in the US due to gun violence - the equivalent of an entire classroom every two days.*
Violence is pervasive in all areas of our national life.
Violence is a learned activity that can be unlearned.
Children learn through play.
Giving toys of violence supports kids believing that playing at violence is OK.
Violent play doesn't recognize that REAL violence results in injury, loss, fear, ahtred, and in the worst cases - death.
Encouraging families to discuss the importance of peaceful, creative play in the development of children, families and communities is servant work in God's world.

* Based on information from the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and the Coalition Against Gun Violence