Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal
Pictured: (l-r) Diana Cary, Mary Midiuk, Jen Shuart, Kelly Clarkson.
ANSONIA — Traveling Toys, Inc. is thrilled to announce its upcoming appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show as part of the show’s celebrated “Rad Humans” segment. The episode is scheduled to air June 17, 2025, spotlighting the organization’s transformative work in communities across Connecticut and beyond.
Traveling Toys was co-founded by Mary Didiuk and Diana Caty in 2019 as an innovative nonprofit committed to inspiring learning through play, by providing libraries with the funds to purchase high-quality toys and games. To date, Traveling Toys has created 19 toy lending libraries in Connecticut, with four more to open this year, and funding has been secured for 8 more libraries.
“Play is powerful. It helps children learn, imagine, and connect,” said co-founder Mary Didiuk. “Whether they’re building towers with Magna-Tiles or roaring through the living room with dinosaurs, every toy is a chance for families to laugh and spend time together. And the best part? It’s all free with your library card.”
“Partnering with public libraries is the key to our success!” said co-founder Diana Caty. “Libraries are the heart of our communities, and we are so fortunate to work with such dedicated librarians. Every community should have a toy library.”
Joining the televised segment is Jen Shuart, the children’s librarian at the Ansonia Library, who has partnered closely with Traveling Toys, Inc. In the interview, Shuart shared heartfelt stories about how the toy library has positively influenced families in her community.
“The impact that the toy library has had on families in Ansonia is monumental,” said Shuart. “The collaboration with Traveling Toys has truly opened new doors for learning and connection while easing the financial burden on caregivers.”
The appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show is a testament to the dedication of the Traveling Toys’ co-founders, who believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow through play — regardless of socioeconomic status.
Don’t miss this inspiring segment celebrating the power of play and the everyday heroes behind it.
