MIDDLETOWN – Funtopia, Lake County's premier toy store, is helping give Lake County's only site-based charter school, Lake County International Charter School (LCICS), a fighting chance in the face of tremendous state budget cuts.

Funtopia will match up to $1,000 in donations made via LCICS's PayPal account from now through Jan. 31.

“When we opened Funtopia, over four years ago, we did it to give people choices by providing quality toys not found elsewhere in Lake County. We can't be everything to everybody, but we can offer options, just like LCICS offers a fantastic option for tuition-free public school education in Lake County,” said Funtopia's co-owner and LCICS Charter Council Member Jason Curtis.

“We are blessed with many great schools in Lake County and we see our committed teachers in Funtopia frequently,” said Jennifer Nunn, Funtopia's co-owner and Jason Curtis' wife. “We know the passion and dedication it takes to educate and shape young minds. We always give a discount to schools, but we wanted to do something more, that is why we are supporting LCICS's viral campaign to fight the budget cuts that are threatening the choices we have in Lake County.”

“LCICS is doing something very innovative, they are hoping that by reaching out to everyone through Facebook, they can bring in additional donations from friends, family and supporters of learning choices from inside and outside Lake County,” said Curtis.

Curtis said the school's goal is to raise over $60,000, in increments of $5, $10 or more, to fight the state budget cuts that have impacted its ability to thrive and grow.

To help that effort Funtopia will be matching dollar-for-dollar up to $1,000 in donations made via the web before Jan. 31.

Curtis urged people to go to www.lcics.org/donate.html, click the “Make a Donation” button and donate. Even $5 can make a huge difference, he said.

LCICS is a tuition-free, kindergarten through eighth grade public school that is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, providing students with an inquiry-based, enriched education in a nurturing environment.

At LCICS, students are taught to become competent and self-motivated individuals with a commitment to life-long learning, enabling them to reach their full potentials as literate, knowledgeable, principled and responsible global citizens of the 21st century.

Funtopia, located at 21208 Calistoga St. in Middletown, is Lake County's award-winning locally owned independent toy store, specializing in unique, affordable toys and games that enhance play and creativity for children of all ages. With their 1,000-plus item inventory, they are the perfect place to find that special gift and have it wrapped for free.