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Toy Lending Library receives hiring practices award

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — An organization encouraging young children to learn through play is being honored for its hiring practices. The Toy Lending Library has nearly 1,700 toys boxes available for families to check out. It wouldn't be possible without eight employees, including people with disabilities. Prison group gets 10 new site submissions 'Here at the Toy Lending Library we have a culture of kindness and respect,' executive director Anelis Coscioni said. 'This is a place where we hire people with disabilities and where they are an integral part of our team,' Coscioni said. 'I process toys. My job is to make sure the toys that come back, I go through them, make sure all the pieces are there, make sure they're safe,' Toy Lending Library employee Hector Ortiz said. Ortiz was hired when he was on the verge of going blind. 'I was using a cane for years,' Ortiz said. He even trained at the School for the Blind, until one life-changing day. 'A year ago, my doctors did surgery on my eyes and fixed them,' Ortiz said. Earlier this month, the Toy Lending Library was a recipient of the Disability Employment Partner Award. 'We give an award to any business that employees at least one person with a disability, but I feel that the Toy Lending Library goes above and beyond,' Employment Disability Resources Executive Director Vicki Stewart said. Employment Disability Resources is a nonprofit promoting employment of people with disabilities. About 250 businesses have won the award and are part of an important list for job seekers. 'I think that gives them a little bit of hope because often times it's a struggle to find employment, but if they know that all these businesses do employ and are willing to employ people with disabilities, I think it's uplifting to them,' Stewart said. An award that will help connect the Toy Lending Library to more people like Hector. 'I'm proud of this organization and they deserve it,' Ortiz said. Stewart is also nominating the Toy Lending Library for this year's 'Governor's Awards' for its work with people with disabilities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.