April 25, 2024

TDmonthly Goes Inside .... Neely's, South L.A.

Commitment to Education Earns Loyalty

The week of the infamous Watts riots in 1965, I. H. and J. Grace Neely opened a furniture store on the corner of 59th and Broadway in South Los Angeles. Mrs. Neely, a kindergarten teacher, saw the need to service her community with educational products, so she utilized son John's carpenter skills to create school furniture for the shop. In the 1970s, Neely's transitioned into the educational toy, game and school supply store that it's been ever since.

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Grandson Jerald grew up in Neely's and now works there, too. Jerald stresses the importance of reminding local school administrators, teachers and parents that Neely's is there to help their children succeed. He takes pride when customers recognize him from events he's attended and show up at his store based on his community service.

Neely's shelves are filled with educational books for children of all races and backgrounds, crafts, teacher supplies such as blackboards and decorative borders, educational games, science toys and products that encourage activity, such as jump ropes. Their tagline sums it up best: "We supply everything except the children." 

Take of tour of Neely's by watching the a video interview of Jerald Neely (above). Then scroll down to read about and watch videos of 17 of his best-selling educational products.

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Cross-Section Animal Cell Model by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.

Teaching the parts of an animal cell to your child is easy, thanks to this hands-on model! The soft foam cell splits in half to show the key parts of an animal cell, including the nucleus, nucleolus, vacuole, centrioles, cell membrane and more. One hemisphere is labeled with the parts of the cell; the other features only letters next to each cell part, making it a natural tool for your child to practice for his next test at home. A Reference Guide is included, providing activity ideas and facts about animal cells.
— This product is a best seller at Neely's in South L.A. ( Watch Video) 5/28/2010 (MSRP: $18.99; Age: 7 to 11)

Out of the Mouths of Slaves: African American Oral History by GALLOPADE INTERNATIONAL

They had no pens. They had no paper. It didn't matter. They could neither read nor write, but slaves had plenty to say and share - their stories, their sufferings, their wisdom, their wit. Kids will learn that nothing is more powerful than oral history. Words spoken and tales told completely unfiltered by others can teach young people not only the facts, but the very soul of what happened in the past. Hear the people of the past in their own words through diaries, interviews, quotations, poetry, and songs.
— This product is a best seller at Neely's in South L.A. ( Watch Video) 5/28/2010 (MSRP: $7.95; Age: 8 to 13)

Martin Luther King, Jr.: Super Civil Rights Leader by GALLOPADE INTERNATIONAL

Martin Luther King, Jr. was the most influential civil rights leader of his time. A minister and pacifist, Martin encouraged peaceful demonstrations to bring about change. These popular readers include easy-to-read information, fun facts and trivia, humor, activities and a whole lot more. They are great for ages 7-12 (grades 2-6), because although simple, these readers have substance and really engage kids with their stories. They are great for social studies, meeting state and national curriculum standards, individual and group reading programs, centers, library programs, and have many other terrific educational uses.
— This product is a best seller at Neely's in South L.A. ( Watch Video) 5/28/2010 (MSRP: $2.95; Age: 5 to 9)

Green Chalk Board by CRESTLINE MANUFACTURING CO

Chalk boards convey a classic look at home or school and have many modern applications. They are great classroom learning tools, and have many business and recreational uses as well.
— This product is a best seller at Neely's in South L.A. ( Watch Video) 5/28/2010 (MSRP: $7.79; Age: All Ages)

Jump Rope - 10' by ATHLETIC CONNECTION

This 10' plastic jump rope features heavy nylon rope that is protected by unbreakable plastic sections. It comes in assorted colors and is also available in a 16' version.
— This product is a best seller at Neely's in South L.A. ( Watch Video) 5/28/2010 (MSRP: $3.50; Age: 5 and Up)

Same or Different by SCHOOL ZONE PUBLISHING CO

Same or Different offers funny, full-color illustrations, predictable formats, and easy-to-follow directions to ensure success. To compare and contrast the items in these exercises, your child must look for significant details, a critical reading readiness skill. ( Watch Video) 5/28/2010 (MSRP: $2.99; Age: 4 to 6)

Multiplication Flash Cards by SCHOOL ZONE PUBLISHING CO

Kids can learn to multiply numbers 0 to 12 with these 55 pocket-sized flash cards. ( Watch Video) 6/7/2010 (MSRP: $2.99; Age: 8 and Up)

CraftLace Neon Value Pack by TONER PLASTICS

CfaftLace is flexible, durable plastic making it easy to work with. It can be used for making lanyards, jewelry and other children's crafts. The smooth texture allows it to stay in place with little effort, making it easier for children's hands to maneuver. The cool colors brighten up each design.
— This product is a best seller at Neely's in South L.A. ( Watch Video) 5/28/2010 (MSRP: $4.25)

Hispanic Design Craft Paper by ROYLCO INC

Hispanic is a term that refers to people living in the U. S. who have roots in many Spanish speaking countries. These beautiful collection of patterns each have their own distinctive characteristics. 8½ x 11" (22 x 28 cm). 8 patterns, 32 sheets
— This product is a best seller at Neely's in South L.A. ( Watch Video) 5/28/2010 (MSRP: $5.99; Age: 7 and Up)

Rainforest Toob® by SAFARI LTD.®

Discover a world of fascinating award winning miniature collectibles in a myriad of popular themes. Each collection is professionally sculpted and finely hand painted. Great for school projects or it's just fun to display near your computer. Excellent "carry-along" for any excursion since the figures are neatly packed in a reusable acetate tube. Choose from over 45 different themes! All our products are phthalate-free and thoroughly safety tested to safeguard your child's health. Safari Ltd.® takes pride in providing breathtaking, innovative and value priced figures for now over 3 generations. Featured is our Rainforest Toob®. Replica Size: 1.5" to 3" H (4 to 7.5 cm). Suggested age 3+ Toob® includes: Caiman, Red Eye Tree Frog, Emerald Tree Boa, Iguana, Poison Dart Frog, Human, Tapirs, Toco Toucan, Jaguar, Anteater, Spider Monkey and Red & Blue Macaw. Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010
— This product is a best seller at Neely's in South L.A. ( Watch Video) 5/28/2010 (MSRP: $9.99; Age: 5 and Up)

Addition Pocket Flash Cards by TREND ENTERPRISES INC.

Teacher-created, child-tested cards are ideal for reinforcing basic skills at home or school. Handy 3 1/8" x 5 1/4" size makes these 56 cards great for travel. Set includes activity ideas to challenge growing skill levels. Cards feature rounded corners for quick sorting.
— This product is a best seller at Neely's in South L.A.
— In a November 2011 survey about educational items, Stephanie Dupuy of Playville in Covington, La., told TDmonthly that "For general parents," their best selling item "would be flashcards by Trend," which they sell 48 units of each month. ( Watch Video) 5/28/2010 (MSRP: $2.99; Age: 5 to 7)

Multiplication Rap DVD by ROCK 'N LEARN INC.

Everyone loves rapping along and learning multiplication with D.J. Doc—the Hip Hop Hamster. Positive lyrics, super-cool rap music, and high-energy action make these multiplication rap songs irresistible. Multiplication facts through 12 are easy to learn and remember with these fun rap songs — a different one for each set of rap facts. The DVD run approximately 50 minutes and now includes Skip Counting songs. Choose from DVD video or audio CD & book programs. Launch date: November 2008. ( Watch Video) 1/23/2009 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 8 and Up)

Retailers: Did you know you can broadcast TDmonthly Toy Videos from your website? Manufacturers: Find out how a TDmonthly Video attracts buyers.Videography and editing by Alison Marek.

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