RNB Foundation INC.

THE HISTORY OF NICKEL TOYS for girls and boys

Where it all Began. Where it is today.

Nickel Toys was Created 23 years ago in Gooding Idaho in 2002 by Donna Morton. along with Her Husband, Duke Morton and Western States College President, Michael Clair, it was launched with The 501c3 that was Western States College of Liberal arts and Humanities. Working with Local agencies and State Agencies they were able to provide thousands of toys for at risk families in Idaho.

Duke Passed in 2013

William Duke Morton, a resident of Gooding, passed away Tuesday, June 18, 2013.
     Duke, who served as Gooding’s mayor since 2006 and was a retired mental health professional, died of sudden health complications at his home Tuesday.  He was 71.
     He  was born in Casper, Wyoming on July 10, 1941., and was raised in Pasadena, Calif.  He was diagnosed with polio when he was five and spent four years in the hospital undergoing more than 20 corrective surgeries.
     He went on to become a world traveler and avid motorcycle racer.   He received his master’s degree in psychology from Kansas State University, where he also worked on his doctorate. Before coming to Idaho, he lived in California, Texas and Oregon and worked in software and technology development for several years.
     He retired as program manager of Region V for the Division of Mental and Behavioral Health in the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and went on to serve on the Region V Mental Health Board.
     After he retired, Morton remained active in the mental health community by serving on the behavioral health board.
     Duke took civic duty to the highest level as the popular mayor of Gooding, Idaho.  Duke was dedicated in his service to the community and worked diligently toward passing Gooding’s water initiative, one of the projects he felt most passionate about. He served on the Board of Western States College in Gooding and was a counselor to all.
    He led a rich, spiritual life.  Duke was known for his positive, can-do outlook on life, one that allowed him to overcome numerous medical and professional obstacles.
      He and Donna created “Morton’s Oasis,” a sanctuary garden at his Gooding home to which he invited family and community members to reflect and heal.   Duke saw the good in all people and never hesitated to help a person in need.  For all those who knew Duke and were touched by his caring, his family asks that you pass that good will on to others.
     Duke married the love of his life, Donna Reynolds on May 19, 1973 in Independence, Ore., with whom he shared 40 years of marriage.

Donna Passed in 2021

"Spread the joy" was Donna Morton's favorite saying, and she tried to do so, whether she felt like it or not. Donna Kay Morton was born on February 26, 1941 in Gooding, Idaho. She transitioned from this life on February 18, 2021 at her daughter Misty's home in Eugene, Oregon, though Gooding was her home.

Donna was a generous woman who looked for ways to sprinkle others with a little bit of extra goodness. Whether that be through the Nickle Toys program she ran for a decade, to ensure all children received presents for Christmas, to serving on the board of the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind, paying for strangers' coffees at Chimney Creek drive-thru in Gooding, Serving on the Board of Western States College to mothering community kids and stray animals alike. She was a giver.

In her younger days she loved ceramics, sewing clothes, playing piano and dancing. While in Oregon, she spent time as a secretary at the Oregon Tax Commission and the Department of Human Resources, and a homemaker. Once she returned to Gooding she worked as a bookkeeper and for the Chamber of Commerce, in addition to many volunteer positions. She loved her hometown and raised money to plant flower boxes all along Main Street.

Donna loved doves and hummingbirds; she could be found conversing with them daily from her own patio perch, the old, blue smoking chair. She was compassionate, non-judgmental and offered a listening ear to those in need. Morton's Oasis was known, not only as a place to gather with friends, but a place of immense beauty. Her flower gardens were magazine worthy, and she cared for them like children. Mom loved her treats - daily mochas, cookies, cakes, and she was known for her infamous candy drawer – a favorite among adults, and her grandchildren alike.

When her beloved Duke passed away in 2013, a piece of her went with him. We celebrate not only her life, but her reunion with Dad. She is survived by her beloved pug, Lilly, sons Duke and Lute, daughters Misty, Mira and Satya, and seven grandchildren: Connor, Hana, Dylan, Nile, Marina, Jacob, and Kai.

Michael Clair, the last remaining founder of Nickel Toys, along with partner, Renee Gillispie, started the RnB Foundation Inc. in Iowa in 2024 to carry on the legacy of the founders vision of every child having gifts at Christmas. They believe that by charging a Nickel per Toy, and using the money raised to buy more toys, it not only serves the families, but allows them to pay it forward to another family in need. Michael had a very long career in the music industry and has won many awards and is in the Hall of Fame in Iowa. He also was a professional Wrestler in the 80s and 90s. He was President of Western States College in Gooding Idaho from 2002 -2007.

Coach Renee Luers Gillispie spent the last thirty Three years coaching some of the best women's softball teams in the USA, her last coaching position with university of Iowa helped her go to over 900 winning games. She is in the Hall of fame in Texas, led UCF in Florida to several Championships and took Iowa to the 2023 NISC Championship.

Her Commitment and integrity to Nickel Toys for girls and boys is very serious to her.

She loves to do charily work and thrives on making a difference for not only her players but those in the community. Paying it forward is what it's all about.

Both grew up in Iowa and the roots are deep here. They love Iowa and the communities they will be serving.

Together they aim to raise 1 million dollars for the Charity in 2025 and see it grow from there. Along with Donations, they will also be doing fundraising concerts in Amana Iowa with Koru Berry Farms, who are building a large Amphitheater on the property for shows starting in September. These shows will feature some of the biggest names in Christian Music.