Who's Up for Some Giving?

A familiar name downtown has moved into a prime new location and remains committed to helping others in need this holiday season.

words Mark Petruska photo Jesse Brown Nelson

Somer Kingsbury, co-owner of Who’s Toy House, is doubly fortunate: running a successful business enables her to do what she loves while also helping others in need. “It’s more important to support your local community than make pennies on the dollar,” she says, a philosophy that inspired her store’s toy donation program.

The Who’s name is familiar with generations of Rapid City residents, who have been shopping at Who’s Hobby House since it opened in 1959. Somer and her husband Clancy run both stores; Who’s Toy House recently moved into a larger, more visible space adjacent to the Main Street Square courtyard previously occupied by a local diner. (Don’t worry, the famous Super Plexus is still there!)

The couple are very involved in giving back to the community that has supported them for so long. Their toy donation program involves repurposing demos and donating them to good homes.

Given their short shelf life—most demos are on display for three to six months, with Somer frequently switching out products—the toys are in pretty good condition, requiring little more than a bit of cleaning (and an occasional minor repair) before they are ready for donation. Toys are donated year-round, but activity ramps up around the holidays. In addition to their own donations, Who’s partners with the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots campaign, collecting toys for children in need so they can experience the joy of the holiday season. Anybody who wants to donate a new toy should stop by the store and drop it off in the donation bin.

Toys for Tots is just one of many local charities and nonprofits to benefit from the Kingsbury’s generosity. Groups such as Catholic Social Services, the OneHeart and Care campuses, Club for Boys, area church nurseries, and others have been the recipients of donated toys—some of which are brand-new. Somer credits strong vendor relations that allow her to buy products at reduced rates and distribute them to needy organizations.

The Who’s Toy House donation program is only the tip of the iceberg for Somer and her husband. Their community involvement includes PTA programs, visits to school classrooms, a camp for children with diabetes, the library’s summer reading program, and more. Every Friday, they donate an item for a silent auction.

Regardless of your success, Somer says,

You should be humble and support the local community by doing all you can.

Who’s Toy House is doing exactly that!