MISSION
The mission of Oh Happy Play! is to close the play gap by providing access to sustainably sourced toys and materials that inspire creativity and imagination through independent play and meaningful peer interactions.
Our History
In 2019, what was then Ponytails & Playmates, participated in the Dubuque Potential on Central - Central Express Initiative. A program, of Dubuque Main Street, the goal was to drive holiday business to the downtown corridor. It was during that time we started collecting unwanted toys to donate back to the community for Christmas. The overwhelming success of that drive, inspired us to create Oh Happy Play a month later.
Founder
Oh Happy Play! was founded by Jacqueline Hunter, a wife, mother, Veteran, and former K-12 educator and recreation professional. Her career spans 25 years. Although she has been honored for her work in education, recreation, and in communities, her greatest joy is in seeing young people reach their full potential.
An advocate for young people, her work is committed to closing the opportunity and play gap for children from limited income families.
An avid outdoors person, she loves camping, hiking, and kayaking. She also enjoys traveling to historic sites, visiting living history museums and reading her endless catalog of history books. She is a diehard fan of the TV series West Wing and has the show on repeat in her office.
Jacqueline is an Assistant Professor of Education at Clarke University and an adjunct professor of history at Divine Word College.
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Announcement
Hip Hip Hooray! We have a new home.
Our address is 1876 Central Avenue, Dubuque, Iowa