With Toy Foundation support, the Imagination Zone helps kids learn and create

The Maples family – Luciana and Atlas (top) and Apollo (bottom) – make colorful creations with LiteZilla.

The Akron Children’s Family Resource Center (FRC) is a place where families can learn about services at the hospital and in the community. Thanks to a grant from The Toy Foundation, the FRC is also a spot where kids and families can play, hang out and learn together.

“We’ve transformed what was previously the family library in the FRC into a welcoming, family-centered activity room,” said FRC Supervisor Melissa Baker, who previously worked as an Akron Children’s child life specialist. “It offers patients and their families a space to play, relax and feel a sense of normalcy during their visit. Whether they’re staying in the hospital or here for an appointment, the FRC is a place where kids can just be kids.”

The Toy Foundation grant supported the purchase of arts and crafts supplies, LEGO® bricks, kids’ musical instruments, a Nintendo Switch^TM and learning toys. “We’ve reimagined the FRC as an Imagination Zone filled with activities for kids of all ages,” Melissa said. “It’s a space where they can play, explore and let their imaginations thrive.”

For patients with sensory issues, a bubble display on the wall turns the activity room into a quiet space. “We can dim the lights,” Melissa said, “and kids watch the bubbles in a calm, lower-sensory environment.”

Right outside the activity room is one of the coolest things in the FRC: a light-up wall called a “LiteZilla.” It looks like a giant version of the classic Lite-Brite toy. “Not only do kids and families love it, but hospital employees stop to check it out,” Melissa said. “LiteZilla catches people’s attention as they walk by, and that’s great. Once families come into the FRC, they feel welcome and want to join in the activities.”

Akron RubberDucks’ mascot, Webster, stops by the FRC to greet Reyan (left) and Meenu Bansal.

STEM carts expand the FRC’s reach

The grant also funded science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) carts. “We have STEM carts for three age ranges: preschool, grades kindergarten-5 and grades 6-8,” Melissa explained. “These carts allow us to make the Imagination Zone activities available to kids who cannot travel from their inpatient rooms to the FRC.”

FRC staff members plan to take the carts to hospital units on certain days every month. The carts contain craft materials, building supplies, modeling clay and electronic items. “We want to help patients heal through play and develop critical thinking skills,” Melissa said. “Siblings at the patient’s bedside are also encouraged to participate in the cart’s hands-on activities.”

Lashard Washington uses STEM cart materials to make a rocket.

Building a caring community

Families who visit the FRC are invited to complete a short survey. Their feedback has been both positive and insightful, offering valuable perspectives that help FRC staff members continue to improve the experience. “The Toy Foundation grant has improved the FRC,” Melissa said. “One parent shared that her daughter loves coming to Akron Children’s because of the ‘fun’ room.”

Melissa says the FRC makes visiting Akron Children’s better for families. “No matter what you need, the FRC is here to help,” she said. “If a family needs help with things like food, transportation or other issues, we can connect you to resources. When you need a break from your child’s hospital room, come have some coffee and chat. The FRC is also a fun place to hang out if you’re waiting between tests or appointments. Above all, the FRC is a welcoming and caring space, and we’re here to support you however we can.”