The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will host the eighth annual Holiday Toy Hack, Saturday, Nov. 15 from 1-4 p.m. in the Huff Family Innovation Center, Sesquicentennial Hall.
The event brings together student volunteers from all majors to adapt electronic toys so they can be activated with an external switch, making them accessible for children with special needs. The modified toys are then donated to families, schools, clinics and others.
“I look forward to this event every year – and so do many students,” said Dr. Hal Evensen, professor of engineering physics and event organizer. “Working with charitable organizations, we have sent toys all around the region – from northern Wisconsin, into northern Illinois and over to Cedar Rapids and New Berlin. This event has grown to bring in students from across campus, which is very exciting!”
Evensen encourages interested students to volunteer, regardless of their background or previous experience.
“Last year, students from 20 majors including education, engineering technology management, computer science, social Sciences, English literature and every engineering discipline came together to successfully modify the toys,” said Evensen. “Students and staff have been very willing and able to help anyone get up to speed and to teach them the skills they need. I’m thankful for the students who have been willing to take on this fun challenge to help others.”
Students interested in volunteering can sign up at http://go.uwplatt.edu/toyhackvolunteer.
Families or organizations wishing to receive modified toys can submit a request at http://go.uwplatt.edu/toyhackrequest2025.
This project is made possible through generous donations, which help purchase the toys, along with the tools, wires, connectors and switches needed to modify them. Contributions can be made at http://foundation.uwplatt.edu/g/giving by searching for the “Toy Hack Project Fund.”