PHILADELPHIA - s4story -- Thanks to teamwork by Harry G. Hayman IV, Russell Fletcher, the Pennsylvania Corporation for the Aging, South Restaurant & Jazz Club, North Broad Street Renaissance, Beyond the Hardwood, Jermaine Jones, the Retired Players Association, and neighborhood groups, more than 250 families are expected to receive new toys during a season of heightened economic stress.

"This event came together in pure Philly fashion — fast, gritty, collaborative, and focused on helping people," said Harry G. Hayman IV, Senior Fellow for Food Economy & Policy at the Economy League and founder of Gemini Consultants. "When we realized hundreds of Toys for Tots gifts might go undistributed, we mobilized immediately. The community deserved a win."

A coalition for good

Conceived during conversations between Harry G. Hayman IV and Russell Fletcher (Mishka Vodka / Beyond the Hardwood), the initiative brings together a broad coalition committed to rapid, community-first action:

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Gemini Consultants — lead organizer; coordination and outreach led by Harry G. Hayman IV

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) — host site and communications support

Beyond the Hardwood (501c3) — led by retired 76er Jermaine Jones

Mishka Premium Vodka — represented by Russell Fletcher; retired players, volunteers, and logistics

Retired Players Basketball Chapter — visibility, volunteers, and family engagement

Toys for Tots — providing 300+ toys

Economy League of Greater Philadelphia — amplification

South Restaurant & Jazz Club / SouthSide Events — outreach and day-of coordination

Spring Garden Civic Association — neighborhood communication and support

WDAS-FM / Patty Jackson (invited) — planned PSA and social amplification

Operational details — community-first, zero-barrier

Following PCA guidance, the event will operate as a walk-up model, ensuring safe, simple, and inclusive access for families arriving on foot or by transit. Families will move through a tented, U-shaped "choose-your-toy" experience envisioned by Harry G. Hayman IV, giving each child a personal moment to select a gift.

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Volunteers — including former Sixers players, community leaders, and partners mobilized by Beyond the Hardwood — will manage lines, distribute toys, and create a safe, festive environment.

"Everyone said the timeline was impossible," said Harry G. Hayman IV. "But impossible is what we do in Philadelphia. When kids need something, we figure it out."

Community impact & future model

Partners aim to make the Toys for Tots giveaway an annual North Broad tradition, expanding its reach and showcasing cross-sector collaboration — public, private, nonprofit, and neighborhood — long championed by Harry G. Hayman IV and Gemini Consultants.

"This is more than toys," Hayman said. "It's about dignity, joy, and showing families that Philadelphia sees them."

Event details
What: Toys for Tots

Gemini Consultants Philadelphia (https://geminiconsultantsphiladelphia.com/)