‘Legos of Love’ drive gives Utah kids more than just a toy

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah nonprofit is turning unopened LEGO boxes into building blocks for brighter futures.

Lotus Impact has launched its annual “Legos of Love” drive, collecting new LEGO sets for children in affordable-housing communities and hospitals across Utah. The effort began four years ago as a tribute to Joe Torman, a partner of The Lotus Company who died unexpectedly in a car crash.

“Because he loved Legos and played (with) them with his kids, the company decided to start this initiative,” said Jeanette Padilla, chief advancement officer for Lotus Impact. “He was an incredible builder who designed two of our affordable-housing communities. His creativity and heart live on through this program.”

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Padilla said the toy’s enduring appeal goes beyond play.

“Legos are the most requested toy, but the least donated,” she said. “Being able to take your idea from concept to something tangible using Legos helps kids develop creativity and belief in themselves, and that belief is the foundation for every bright future.”

This year’s donations will go to The Kid’s Place and The Christmas Box House in Ogden, Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Open Doors in Clearfield, and children living in Lotus affordable-housing communities statewide.

“This initiative really allows us to provide a very valuable and highly desired gift to kids living in these communities that are low-income,” Padilla said. “It means a lot for the kids and the families because these are toys they might not otherwise receive.”

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Padilla said the goal is to inspire the next generation of builders.

“Our hope is to inspire them to become future developers, architects or engineers,” she said. “We really believe it starts with belief; kids have to know that their community believes in them.”

Community members can drop off unopened LEGO sets at participating locations or make donations online at legosoflove.org.

“This is an initiative that ties into the rest of our programs,” Padilla added. “We’re just really excited … and really glad for the community to participate.”