Toy Industry Association

Toy Industry Foundation Leaps into Spring with Philanthropic Events to Benefit Children in Need

The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) is “springing into action” this season with springtime activities that will benefit children who need the industry’s help the most.

Following a successful toy drive at the 108th International American Toy Fair, where more than $230,000 worth of product from 200 exhibitors was collected, TIF is traveling to South Carolina on April 13th to distribute a portion of those toys and games to more than 600 military youth stationed with their families at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

Recognizing April as the Month of the Military Child and honoring the strength, resilience and unique challenges of children adapting to their parent’s military obligations, the event marks the first in 2011 under the TIF/Boys & Girls Clubs of America Military Services Play Comforts partnership, which has reached nearly 10,000 military children since its launch in 2009.

“The Toy Industry Foundation is deeply committed to the military children who remain at home while their mothers and fathers bravely serve our country,” said TIF Executive Director Jean Butler. “We’re happy to provide new toys and games … a few refreshments … a fun afternoon … and most important, a break from the routine to just focus on playing and being kids.” On Friday, May 13th, TIF will continue its springtime philanthropic efforts, partnering once more with My Stuff Bags Foundation to celebrate National Foster Care Month at the third annual Do Good Stuff-a-thon. The yearly event aims to make a difference in the lives of the estimated 300,000 children in America who enter the foster care system on an annual basis.

Volunteers from the toy industry – from manufacturers to licensors – will join forces at the My Stuff Bags volunteer center in Westlake Village, California, to assemble 5,000 My Stuff bags with items such as handmade blankets, clothing, toiletries, and toys to be delivered to children in foster care across the country.

“These kids are rescued from abusive and neglectful living situations, and often leave their homes with few personal belongings other than the clothes on their backs,” said TIF Senior Manager Amanda McDorman. “Our My Stuff bags show the children just how many people care about them.”

To participate in the California Do Good Stuff-a-thon, contact Amanda McDorman (646-520-4878). For those who can’t be in attendance, a virtual Stuff-a-thon will allow toy companies and other “Do Good-ers” to participate in filling My Stuff Bags.

For more information about this and other Foundation activities, visit the ToyIndustryFoundation.org. Spring Trends & More at ToyInfo.org

New toy trend videos have “sprouted” on ToyInfo.org.

In Spring Outdoor Play and Easter Basket Egg-stravaganza, Toy Industry Association (TIA) trend expert Adrienne Appell shares some of the freshest spring products for boys and girls – from alternatives to sweet treats for Easter baskets to active toys that can be enjoyed in outdoor spaces.

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