Unity boy in the running for Toddler of the Year

At two and half years old, Drake Sidenbender of Unity may not be a celebrity yet, but his mother is hoping he has what it takes to win a nationwide Toddler of the Year competition.

Kristin Sidenbender said she enrolled her son in the contest as a way to support the Toys for Tots organization, which receives donations from people who want to vote multiple times for their pick for the nation’s top toddler. The winner of the contest will also be awarded $25,000 and star in their own national ad campaign.

Kristin said she found out about the Toddler of the Year contest by following a link on Facebook and then reading more about it before signing her son up to participate.

“It was just a spur of the moment thing,” she said. “I decided, you know, why not give him a shot?”

To enter, Kristin answered a series of questions about her son, who has earned enough votes so far to be in the top three of his assigned group.

“He’s quite the little toddler,” she said. “He loves playing outside and going on the slides. He also likes playing in the kiddy pool at home. A lot of times he goes in there when he’s not dressed in his swimwear. He gets in there and causes mischief.”

Drake enjoys watching “Zoboomafoo,” a PBS show featuring brothers who are zoologists, and making the animal noises he hears on the show. He also likes playing with puzzles and stacking blocks, Kristin said.

“I would consider him my miracle baby because I’ve been with his father (Jon Czappa) for over 10 years and we weren’t really trying, and one day I’m pregnant,” she said.

Kristin said she hopes her participation in this competition will ultimately “bring some joy for those who are less fortunate.”

“As a mother, I’m passionate about giving back to our community, whether it be by fundraising or volunteering. Through this competition, we have the opportunity to create a special memory this holiday season for children everywhere. This experience has been incredibly meaningful because I understand how it felt as a child receiving a gift for the holiday season when our family was on hard times; the Salvation Army helped to make the season much more special.”

The deadline for the latest round of voting is Thursday at 9 p.m. To vote for Drake to advance to the next round of competition, go to https://toddleroftheyear.org/2025/drake-0980