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.

ToyInfo.org is a one-stop resource for families looking for up-to-date toy safety tips, trend information, consumer toy news and everything else under the sun regarding toys and play. Trend videos are posted regularly, so don’t forget to check back often!

Toy Industry Association

Toy Industry Foundation Brings Holiday Joy to Children in Florida, Cuba

The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) kicked off the holiday season by delivering the gift of play to thousands of kids at recent toy distribution events in Florida and Cuba.

On November 16th, the TIF team traveled to Hillsborough County, Florida, to deliver duffel bags filled with toys, toiletries and other essential items to more than 100 local children in foster care at The Children’s Home. The distribution was made possible through TIF’s national partnership with My Stuff Bags, a charitable organization that provides hope to children suffering from abuse, neglect and abandonment.

TIF staff, along with representatives from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Military Services, then traveled to MacDill Air Force Base on November 17th, for the largest Play Comforts toy distribution to date. About 4,000 children of military parents and 150 military volunteers received 5,500 toys, games and plush. Colonel Lenny Richoux, MacDill’s Commanding Officer, was on hand with his family to deliver opening remarks.

Finally, on December 4th, TIF and BGCA landed on Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to hold a special Play Comforts holiday toy distribution for 300 children on the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, marking the first international event under the partnership. The TIF team participated in the annual holiday parade, where a stream of dozens of vehicles decorated with holiday regalia wound its way through the streets of Guantanamo Bay, tossing candy and gifts to thousands of onlookers. The parade culminated in a much-anticipated toy distribution held at the Lyceum Theatre.

Holiday cheer was shouted out by kids of all ages as commanding officer Captain Kirk Hibbert welcomed TIF executive director Jean Butler, who addressed the troops and their families. The gathering was the largest of its kind on the base, and each child, from toddler to teen, was able to take a home a toy of their choice.

“We work to share the joy of play with as many children as we can,” said Butler. “We are proud to give these kids a little something extra to smile about during the holidays.”

The Play Comforts TIF-BGCA partnership focuses on bringing the joy of toys and play to the children of military families on bases with high deployment rates. More than 25,000 children have been served since the initiative was launched during the 2009 holiday season with a toy distribution event at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Toys are generously donated by toy companies via The Toy Bank, the Foundation’s signature program.
Photos from the Guantanamo Bay distribution can be viewed on the TIF website.


Voting for TOTY Now Open at ToyAwards.org

The Toy Industry Association (TIA) recently launched a new website, ToyAwards.org, that invites kids of all ages to vote for their favorite toys through January 14th, 2011.
Selected from a pool of 70 nominees in 11 distinct categories, the winning toys will be announced Saturday February 12th, 2011, at the Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards ceremony, which kicks off the 108th American International Toy Fair.

In addition to the consumer vote, ballots are open for retailers, media and members of the toy industry. Each will be weighted to determine the TOTY 2011 winners, including the coveted overall “Toy of the Year” Award.

Follow TOTY on Twitter at #TOTY11 and cast your vote online today at ToyAwards.org!
Holiday Toy Safety Tips & Trends

While safety is the number one priority of the U.S. toy industry year-round, TIA wants parents, grandparents, and other gift givers to be especially mindful this holiday season about choosing gifts that are appropriate for the ages and interests of the children in their lives.

In a video featured on ToyInfo.org, Joan Lawrence, TIA’s vice president of standards and regulatory affairs, shares some important toy safety tips to keep in mind when shopping for youngsters.

Also on ToyInfo.org, TIA trend specialist Reyne Rice discusses the hottest toys for the holidays.

For more information and updates about toys, play, toy safety and trends, be sure to check ToyInfo.org on a regular basis.

Toys"R"Us

TOYS“R”US® SPREADS CHRISTMAS CHEER TO MILLIONS OF CHILDREN IN NEED BY SERVING AS THE HOLIDAY GIVING HEADQUARTERS FOR
TOYS FOR TOTS

Toys“R”Us, Inc. launched its seventh annual nationwide fundraising campaign to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, during which the company will help spread Christmas cheer to some of the 14.1 million children in need in the United States.

Building on last year’s partnership with Shaquille O’Neal, the company has once again teamed with the four-time NBA Champion to invite customers to “Join Shaq Give Back.” As his holiday alter-ego Shaq-A-Claus, O’Neal will encourage shoppers to donate cash in Toys“R”Us® and Babies“R”Us® stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/ToysforTots through Christmas Eve.

As the largest retail partner in the history of Toys for Tots, Toys“R”Us, Inc. has raised over $20 million and collected 2.7 million toys since the partnership began in 2004.

Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. It currently sells merchandise in more than 1,560 stores, including 845 Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the United States, and more than 510 international stores and 200 licensed stores in 33 countries and jurisdictions.

In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com, FAO.com and babyuniverse.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products.

Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys“R”Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need.

Britax

NEW ISOFLEX™ FLEXIBLE LOWER LATCH CONNECTION SYSTEM ON NEW BRITAX® PARKWAY® SGL

— BRITAX Parkway® SGL offers advanced protection to children and reduces risk of injury for others in vehicle —

A new belt-positioning booster seat from BRITAX® — the Parkway® SGL — introduces the ISOFLEXTM Flexible Lower LATCH Connection System. The ISOFLEX system secures the booster seat to the vehicle in seconds with only two clicks and a pull, which stabilizes it during a crash and prevents it from becoming a projectile when not in use. The Parkway SGL can be easily converted into a backless booster, and accommodates children 40 pounds and 38 inches up to 120 pounds and 63 inches.

In addition to the ISOFLEX system, the Parkway SGL is equipped with several other unique BRITAX safety features that offer children protection from all sides. When used with the seat back, True Side Impact Protection® — a combination of deep side walls and an adjustable head restraint lined with energy-absorbing EPS foam — works to transfer energy away from the child during a side impact crash to limit injury. Approximately one in four of all motor vehicle crashes that involve children occur from the side, and these crashes result in a significantly higher injury rate than front or rear crashes, according to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The SecureGuard™ Seat BRITAX Inc. Parkway SGL news release Page 2

Belt Anchor also helps prevent the child from sliding under the lap-belt portion of the safety belt (submarining) during impact, thus minimizing the risk of abdominal injury.

“While a belt-positioning booster is intended to keep children who have graduated from their harnessed safety seats safe, it also has potential to become a projectile when it’s not being used,” said Claudia Prager, product manager at BRITAX. “That’s why we developed the Parkway SGL with the ISOFLEX system, which secures the seat in the vehicle in seconds with two clicks and a pull to stabilize the seat in the event of a crash.”

Designed to help caregivers use the Parkway SGL correctly each and every time, the seat offers a number of comfort and ease-of-use features. High-density comfort foam provides an extra layer of padding to gently cushion the child and armrests help provide a secure fit and a comfortable place to rest tired arms. A quick-adjust mechanism easily adjusts the head restraint, while color-coded vehicle belt guides help caregivers correctly position the vehicle seat belt. Additionally, the seat features retractable cup holders to hold the child’s beverage or snacks and a removable cover for easy cleaning.

The Parkway SGL meets and exceeds all standards of compliance currently mandated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission for such substances as phthalates and lead content. It will be available in four fashions at independent and mass retailers in November 2010. Its suggested retail price is $149.99.

Toys"R"Us

FAO SCHWARZ® OFFERS HOLIDAY SHOPPERS FOUR “EXPERIENCES OF A LIFETIME” THROUGH AUCTION TO BENEFIT TOYS FOR TOTS

FAO Schwarz®, best known for the one-of-kind shopping experiences and enchanting memories it provides its customers, is building upon that legacy with its “Experiences of a Lifetime” online auction at FAO.com.

One hundred percent of winning auction bids will be directed to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to give children in need gifts to unwrap on Christmas morning. Winning bidders will receive a special keepsake, representative of their respective prize package, that they can present as a holiday gift, sent in time to tuck under the Christmas tree.

The auction offers the highest-bidding Disney aficionado, Nickelodeon® music buff, Smurf™ fan and FAO Schwarz® enthusiast a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring the brands and products they love to life, while helping to make the holidays magical for less fortunate children.

More families can donate to Toys for Tots by visiting FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue in New York City and the approximately 10 FAO Schwarz holiday pop-up locations across the country that are now accepting new, unwrapped toys through December 5 and cash through Christmas Eve. The stores showcase Toys for Tots signage featuring the tagline “Share the Joy,” encouraging holiday shoppers to support this special initiative.

Kidde

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week Begins in California

California’s fourth annual Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week began Sunday, November 7, and the California Safe Homes Coalition is urging families to help protect themselves from this deadly gas.

Odorless, colorless and tasteless, carbon monoxide is called the “Silent Killer” and is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While often considered a “cold weather state” hazard, CO poisoning can strike anyone at anytime, anywhere. The California Air Resources Board reports that each year, CO poisoning sends up to 700 Californians to the emergency room, and results in up to thousands of avoidable illnesses. Initial symptoms mimic the flu and can include dizziness, headache, nausea and disorientation.

“There have been instances in California when people had flu-like symptoms, but felt considerably better after leaving their house. That doesn’t happen with the flu, so it is a tell-tale sign that they may have had CO poisoning,” said Kevin Nida, president of the California State Firefighters’ Association (CSFA). Along with the CSFA, other Coalition supporters include AARP, Kidde, as well as nonprofit organizations and health and safety advocates.

U.S. Census data shows 74 percent of California households use some form of fossil fuel, such as natural gas, fuel oil, or kerosene as a heat source — all of which generate carbon monoxide. When fuel-burning appliances, like a furnace or water heater, malfunction or are improperly vented, the gas can quickly build up in the home. Running a generator or other gas-powered engine inside an attached garage or enclosed space also can cause CO poisoning.

“Before the weather turns cooler, residents should schedule an inspection of fuel-burning appliances to make sure they work properly," said David Pacheco, AARP California President. “It is also important to install a CO alarm on every level of their home and near sleeping areas. A working CO alarm is the only safe way to detect carbon monoxide in your home.”

A new state law will help prevent future incidents by requiring CO alarms in most California homes. It goes into effect next year. But coalition members remind consumers: protect your family today.

“Carbon monoxide alarms are available throughout California,” said Chris Rovenstine, director of marketing and sales for Kidde, a leading manufacturer of residential fire safety products. “Installation is simple. Some plug into an electrical outlet, while others mount on a wall. Combination models, like the Intelligent Alarm, offer protection from fire and CO in one unit.”

When choosing an alarm, look for the “UL-listed” logo to certify that it meets third-party standards. CO alarms can cost less than $20 each.

In addition to installing CO alarms, the Coalition offers these safety tips:
- Never leave your car running in an attached garage or carport.
- Never use ovens or stoves to heat your home.
- Never use charcoal or gas grills inside or operate one outdoors near a window where fumes could seep inside.
- Install and operate fuel-burning appliances according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Have them and a home’s heating system inspected annually by a licensed professional.
- Keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves and residue. Have all fireplaces cleaned and inspected annually.
- Do not block or seal shut the exhaust flues or ducts used by water heaters, ranges and clothes dryers.
- Test CO alarms monthly and replace batteries at least twice a year.
- Replace CO alarms every five to seven years.

To learn more about carbon monoxide safety or for additional information on CO Awareness Week, visit www.CASafeHomes.org.

About CO Awareness Week
Passed by California’s legislature in 2007, CO Awareness Week encourages all schools, fire departments, and other organizations to do their part to educate families about carbon monoxide poisoning.

About CA Safe Homes Coalition
The California Safe Homes Coalition was formed to bring together organizations who support continued education and awareness on the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and the importance of CO alarms, and who are committed to educating families on ways to help keep their family and home safer.

Toy Industry Association

Toy Industry Foundation to Launch the Holiday Season with a Toy Distribution for 5,000 Children at MacDill Air Force Base

The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) continuously strives to put smiles on the faces of children in need, and this holiday season will be no exception, when TIF and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) launch the winter festivities with their largest toy distribution to date.

As part of the TIF-BGCA Play Comforts partnership – which focuses on bringing the joy of play to the children of military families on our nation’s bases with the highest deployment rates – the November 17th distribution will reach more than 5,000 children at Florida’s MacDill Air Force Base.

“Members of the toy industry are deeply committed to giving back to our military families who have made great sacrifices for our country,” said Jean Butler, Executive Director of TIF. “Children who are missing one or both parents because they are deployed on active duty are in special need of comfort. The toy industry and the TIF are pleased to provide these small gifts that will inspire the joy of play and help give these kids something to smile about.”

Brand new toys and games from the TIF’s Toy Bank – which receives thousands of toys, games, and plush products year-round from toy manufacturers, retailers and distributors from across the country – will be accepted by senior MacDill Air Force officials on behalf of the Air Force community.

“We are extraordinarily grateful for the Toy Industry Foundation’s continuous generosity,” said Terrill D. Wicks, BGCA’s Vice President of Military Services and International Projects. “Their unwavering support for our military youth is greatly appreciated.”

The Toy Industry Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring joy, comfort, and learning to children in need through toys and play. The Play Comforts campaign was launched during the 2009 holiday season and is the only known toy distribution program to support every branch of the U.S. military. By the end of 2010, TIF and BGCA will have donated 25,000 toys to military children through Play Comforts.