Toy Industry Association

Doing “Good Stuff” for Kids in Need

TIA to Sponsor Second Annual Stuff-A-Thon to Commemorate May as National Foster Care Month

On Friday, May 7th, the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) and strategic partner My Stuff Bags Foundation will join forces with companies from across the toy industry to help disadvantaged children by filling more than 5,000 duffel bags with toys, toiletries and handmade items that will be distributed to child-focused charities across the United States. The event will commemorate May as National Foster Care Month.

It is estimated that each year 300,000 children enter foster care across the United States. Suffering from abuse or neglect, these children often leave their homes with few personal belongings other than the clothes on their backs.

"Representatives from toy and kid-focused entertainment companies large and small will work side-by-side with Foundation volunteers; several California state officials and My Stuff Bags Board Members are also expected to be on hand."

Coordinators have set a goal of making this year’s event bigger and better with even more volunteers, more toys and more completed bags.

“Last year’s event drew large numbers of toy industry volunteers and we anticipate an even greater crowd this year as word has spread,” said Jean Butler, TIF Executive Director and Vice President of Membership at the Toy Industry Association. “This event showcases the unified commitment of the toy industry to bring the joy of play to children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned.”

“Not only did we do some good last year, we had a good time,” agreed Janeen Holmes, President and CEO of My Stuff Bags. “Our Do Good Stuff-A-Thon is a unique opportunity to demonstrate how combined efforts can have a profound impact on the lives of these suffering children. Together with TIF we are reaching out to comfort America’s most vulnerable children, show them that they matter, and give them back dignity and hope through a My Stuff Bag.”

For those who can’t attend in person, a virtual event is also being held during the first week in May so that corporate teams can Do Good Stuff by sponsoring duffels online.

The Toy Industry Foundation has pledged to My Stuff Bags a contribution of $400,000 and 50,000 new toys over two years. The toys are donated via The Toy Bank™, which is generously stocked by toy industry manufacturer contributions throughout the year.

Play Comforts Partnership Supports Young Heroes

In celebration of National Boys and Girls Club Week (March 21-27, 2010), representatives of the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) distributed toys to children of military families stationed at Virginia’s U.S. Coast Guard Base Portsmouth MWR and Naval Base Portsmouth. The event was held on Thursday afternoon, March 25 … on the very day that many military moms and dads arrived home from patrol on the Coast Guard Cutter Northland.

An estimated 200 military families from every branch of service were in attendance and more than 1,000 toys were distributed. [see photos]

The toys were donated to The Toy Bank, the Foundation’s signature program, by hundreds of generous toy manufacturers during February’s American International Toy Fair.

Through the Play Comforts partnership, TIF is providing toys to members of Boys & Girls Clubs located on military bases with high deployment rates across the country. The initiative includes grant funding from the Foundation and is the first-ever national toy distribution program to canvas all five branches of the military.

“The Toy Industry Foundation is deeply committed to giving back to our military families who have given so much for our country,” said Jean Butler, TIF Executive Director. “These children are in special need of support and it is our hope that through the joy of play, we can provide the comfort they so deserve.”


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For more information about these and other TIF programs, please visit www.toyindustryfoundation.org.

Kidde

Kidde Works With Wisconsin Fire Officials and State Legislators to Raise Awareness of New Carbon Monoxide Alarm Laws

Senator Dave Hansen, Representative Gordon Hintz, the Wisconsin Homebuilders Association, Safe Kids Wisconsin, and Green Bay Fire joined Kidde, the leading manufacturer of residential fire safety products, at a press event on March 10 to raise awareness of the new state laws that will help protect Wisconsin residents from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Later that day, Governor Jim Doyle signed SB 415, which will require carbon monoxide alarms in all new and existing one- and two-family residences having a fuel burning appliance, fireplace or an attached garage beginning February 1, 2011. A previously passed law, effective April 1, 2010, requires CO alarms in all multi-family dwellings having a fuel-burning appliance.

“We knew that we needed to expand the original law to help save all residents from this toxic gas,” said Representative Hintz, sponsor of SB 415. “While it offered protection for some residents, it left many families vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning.”

“By working with fire officials and homebuilders, we were able to illustrate why everyone needs to have a CO alarm,” added Senator Hansen.

At the press event, Kidde announced a donation of 400 carbon monoxide alarms that will be distributed to the Green Bay and Oshkosh Fire Departments, as well as Safe Kids Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Homebuilders Association, for installation in low-income homes.

“Kidde is proud to work with the Green Bay and Oshkosh fire departments, as well as Safe Kids to help get CO alarms into the homes of Wisconsin families,” said Chris Rovenstine, vice president of Kidde R&C. “We’re honored to help raise awareness of this life-saving legislation.”

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Produced when fuel is burned, carbon monoxide is emitted by common fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and stoves. Additional sources may include improperly ventilated generators, space heaters, fireplaces, barbecue grills, and car exhaust.

“The only safe way to detect this colorless, odorless gas in your home is with a working carbon monoxide alarm,” said Libbe Slavin, Safe Kids Wisconsin Coordinator. “If you don’t have a CO alarm in your home, I urge you to install one today. Don’t wait for the law to take effect.”

For more information about the new law and how to protect your family from carbon monoxide, visit Knowaboutco.com

Chicco

Introducing The NEW Cortina Together Double Stroller

After years of research and development, Chicco is thrilled to introduce the new Cortina Together double stroller. For the first time, Chicco is offering a front-to-back double stroller that accepts one OR two KeyFit/KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seats.

Chicco's double stroller will be available in stores this April (Babies “R” Us and BuyBuyBaby) in the fashionable Fuego, Romantic and Cubes patterns. For more information, check out www.cortinatogether.com

Kidde

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Laws Result from Family Tragedies
By Kidde R&C

To date, 25 U.S. states, as well as several large municipalities, have laws passed or pending to require carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in residences. Yet, look beyond the numbers, and you’ll find heartache and bravery. You’ll hear from families spurred by tragedy to make a difference.

People like Cheryl Burt, Tom Julia, Maria Dempsey and Barbara Bertot. They come from different cities, different areas, but all are on the same personal quest to stop a Silent Killer.

Each has experienced firsthand the tragic result of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Minnesota resident Cheryl Burt lost two sons to CO poisoning, while Maria Dempsey’s sister, Caroline, died while on a ski trip in Aspen with her family. Caroline Lofgren’s husband and two children died as well. When an off-campus Virginia Tech apartment building filled with carbon monoxide, Tom Julia’s daughter, Kristin, died, and 19 others were injured. Florida resident Barbara Bertot lost her teenage daughter, Janelle, to CO poisoning as well.

Each will tell you that a simple device – a CO alarm – may have saved their loved ones from death or severe illness, so all are demanding change. Their voices, along with advocates from fire departments, public health and safety organizations, have asked lawmakers to make their communities safer.

Federal and State lawmakers are listening. In addition to half of the U.S. states either requiring or considering a CO alarm requirement, the International Residential Code (IRC) Council voted in March 2009 in favor of adopting a code that requires the installation of CO alarms in newly constructed one- and two-family dwellings. In December, a subcommittee of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee heard testimony for Senate Bill 1216, the “Residential Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act.” Sponsored by Senator Amy Klobachar (D-MN), S 1216 would require all carbon monoxide alarms sold in the U.S. to comply with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2034, the third-party independent standard to which manufacturers test and list their alarms. Currently, listing a CO alarm to this standard is voluntary, although most states with laws requiring residential CO alarms mandate that they meet UL 2034.

Safe Kids coalitions and chapters have been influential in pre- and post-legislative awareness efforts, particularly in North Carolina, Colorado, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and New York. While many of these states help with education to get bills passed, New York coalitions and chapters are currently engaging in a multi-faceted awareness campaign about the new law by encouraging families to purchase carbon monoxide alarms and take steps to prevent CO poisoning.

Recent industry and independent surveys show that CO alarm usage in homes has almost doubled in the past six years, from 27% in 2003 to 50% in 2009. Yet, carbon monoxide remains the leading cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This odorless, invisible gas claims 500 lives and sends another 20,000 to emergency departments each year, according to the CDC.

Cheryl, Tom, Maria, Barbara and so many others remain on a quest to ensure every home has at least one CO alarm. It’s a quest to remind lawmakers and officials how simple prevention can save lives, and one that they hope will keep others from suffering senseless tragedies.

Toys"R"Us

TOYS"R"US, U.S. LAUNCHES FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN TO HELP AUTISM SPEAKS SOLVE THE AUTISM PUZZLE

Company Identifies "Ten Toys That Speak To Autism" and Introduces Safe Play Tips for Children on the Autism Spectrum


WAYNE, NJ (February 25, 2010)– Toys"R"Us, U.S. today announced that its fundraising campaign to benefit Autism Speaks will begin Sunday, February 28 and continue through Friday, April 30. Throughout the campaign, monetary donations will be collected at all Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores and online at Toysrus.com/AutismSpeaks. Autism Speaks is the nation's leading organization dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

"Autism impacts countless families, including those of our customers and employees," said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "As a company that loves kids, we are proud to lend our support once again to help Autism Speaks find the missing pieces of the autism puzzle by raising money and awareness for this disorder."

Skill-Building Toys and Safe Play Tips
As part of this philanthropic initiative, Toys"R"Us has created several programs to help parents and caregivers of children with autism. The company collaborated with Autism Speaks and the National Lekotek Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making play accessible for children with disabilities, to identify toys that can help little ones with autism develop language, creativity and social skills, among others, while playing alongside siblings and friends. The "Ten Toys That Speak To Autism," a special subset of the annual Toys"R"Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids, provides toy suggestions specifically for families and friends of children with autism.

Research shows that children with cognitive, emotional or social limitations, including those with autism, are more prone to accidental injuries. With guidance from leading safety organizations and Autism Speaks, the Safe Play Tips are relevant for children with autism. These tips include:
• Avoid Trigger Toys: Opt for toys that have volume control for children who are adversely affected by loud noises.
• Read Labels for Ability: Choose toys that correspond with a child's learning level rather than merely matching a toy with his/her actual age.
• Never Leave a Child Unsupervised: It is especially critical that a child with special needs is properly supervised by an adult or trusted caregiver at all times.
"The "R"Us family and its customers have continually opened their hearts to support Autism Speaks in its mission to advocate for the nearly 750,000 children on the autism spectrum in this country," said Mark Roithmayr, President of Autism Speaks. "Toys"R"Us, Inc. is such a valued partner, and we are excited about the fundraising potential of this year's program."

Comprehensive information about the 2010 campaign is available on the company's dedicated website, Toysrus.com/AutismSpeaks. The "Ten Toys That Speak To Autism" and a full list of Safe Play Tips can be found here, as well as a blog titled "Speaking About Autism," which offers updates and information throughout the nine-week fundraising effort. The website, as well as campaign signage in Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores, features the "Faces of Autism," a striking series of portraits highlighting children with autism taken by photographer Thomas Balsamo.

Walking the Walk for Autism Speaks
In addition to the fundraising campaign, Toys"R"Us is kicking off its national sponsorship of Walk Now for Autism Speaks, a year-long series of more than 80 walk events in communities throughout North America. Teams of regional employees will walk alongside the company's iconic mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe and individuals with autism, their families and friends to raise money and awareness.

All funds raised in Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores, online and through the Walk Now for Autism Speaks events will go directly to Autism Speaks to support research and advocacy efforts. Earlier this month, the Toys"R"Us Children's Fund kicked off the 2010 campaign by providing a $400,000 grant to Autism Speaks. Customers who donate $10 or more to Autism Speaks at any Toys"R"Us or Babies"R"Us store in the U.S. will receive a colorful floral-themed reusable shopping bag designed by a talented artist with autism, James Hogarth, while supplies last.

Since the partnership launched in 2007, Toys"R"Us, Inc., the Toys"R"Us Children's Fund and customer contributions have combined to provide Autism Speaks with more than $5.5 million. Last year's in-store and online fundraising campaign raised more than $1.9 million for Autism Speaks. This year, for the first time, Toys"R"Us, Canada will lend its support to the cause by collecting donations in its nearly 70 stores and online at Toysrus.ca.

About Autism
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 110 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism increased 57 percent from 2002 to 2006. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

About Toys"R"Us, Inc.
Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. It currently sells merchandise in more than 1,550 stores, including 849 Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores in the United States, and more than 700 international stores in 33 countries, consisting of both licensed and franchised stores. In addition, it owns and 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 an unparalleled 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.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception only five short years ago, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $131 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families through 2014. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks also supports the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning "Learn the Signs" campaign with the Ad Council which has received over $200 million in donated media. Autism Speaks' family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a community grant program and much more. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government's response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

Toys"R"Us

Toys"R"Us, Inc. Issues a Call to Action to Remove Potentially Unsafe Baby Products from the Marketplace with the "Great Trade-In" Event

WAYNE, NJ (January 27, 2010) – Toys“R”Us, Inc. today issued a call to action for customers to rid their homes of potentially unsafe old and second-hand baby products and exchange them for savings on a new item during the “Great Trade-In” event. The “Great Trade-In” event is a national safety program designed to draw attention to the fact that certain used baby products can carry potential hazards, but are still in circulation and are not the best candidates to be handed down or resold.

The “Great Trade-In” event begins Friday, January 29 and continues through Saturday, February 20 in Babies“R”Us and Toys“R”Us locations nationwide. During this time, stores will accept returns of any used cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, travel systems, play yards, high chairs and toddler beds in exchange for a 25% savings on the purchase of any new baby item, in any of these product categories, from select manufacturers.

Toys“R”Us, Inc. introduced the “Great Trade-In” event during a three-week period in September 2009, which prompted customers to trade-in tens of thousands of potentially unsafe cribs, car seats and other baby products – most of which were in extremely poor condition. Some traded-in items were missing parts or were damaged, while others that were decades old showed obvious signs of wear and tear and would be considered
non-compliant by today’s more stringent product safety standards.

Used car seats were the number one item customers turned in during the 2009 program and the number one item customers purchased with the savings they received in exchange for their trade-in. Old and second-hand car seats may carry a variety of hazards that are difficult for consumers to detect, such as damage from accidents or materials’ deterioration from sun exposure. For this reason, leading safety organizations, such as Safe Kids USA recommend against purchasing used car seats.

“We are proud that our inaugural ‘Great Trade-In’ event raised awareness of the potential dangers associated with certain used baby products, and we were gratified by the response from our customers,” said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “As a company committed to the safety of children, we encourage parents to utilize the ‘Great Trade-In’ event as an opportunity to remove used and older baby products, such as cribs and car seats, from their homes, garages and attics.”

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advocates not purchasing used items that have a history of safety problems, including cribs, play yards and bassinets. Items in these specific categories may have been recalled or affected by recent enhancements in federal and voluntary standards and regulations for safety testing that render older models unsafe or non-compliant with current standards. For example, voluntary standards updated in December 2009 render that cribs no longer be manufactured with a drop-side following a number of recalls and associated child injuries and deaths.

Following are additional examples of the potential dangers of old and second-hand cribs, car seats and other baby products:

• Car seats can sustain damage in an accident that may not be visible to the naked eye, but could prevent the seat from functioning properly;


• Car seats have expiration dates, as the materials can deteriorate over time, potentially making the car seat less effective in a crash. Parents can check with the car seat manufacturer to determine the recommended period of use for a particular car seat;


• Certain baby products, particularly car seats, are regularly introduced with new innovations in technology that can improve the products’ safety efficacy;


• Products made of or that contain certain materials, like wood and plastic, for example, can deteriorate when exposed to extreme weather conditions, like heat, potentially compromising safety integrity; and


• Parts or instruction books for proper assembly, installation or use may be missing.

Brands participating in the “Great Trade-In” event include Babi Italia, Baby Cache, Baby Trend, Bergamo, Bertini, Britax, Carter’s, Chicco, Contours by Kolcraft, Cosco, Delta, Eddie Bauer, Evenflo, Graco, Jeep, Little Tikes, Safety 1st, Sorelle and Step2. Customers can save 25% on a new purchase, from any of the specified product categories and from any of the aforementioned manufacturers, in Babies“R”Us and Toys“R”Us stores nationwide on the day they trade in their used item.

There are no restrictions on the number or brand of used items in these product categories customers can exchange. Day care centers or other organizations who wish to exchange items in bulk are encouraged to contact their local Babies“R”Us or Toys“R”Us store prior to returning their used items to ensure adequate availability of new merchandise.

For the latest information about product safety and to sign up to receive e-mail notifications about product recalls, customers can visit the company’s dedicated Safety website, Toysrus.com/Safety. In addition, the CPSC advises parents to check its website, www.cpsc.gov, to make sure a product has not been recalled before using or purchasing it second-hand.

About Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. It currently sells merchandise in more than 1,550 stores, including 849 Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the United States, and more than 700 international stores in 33 countries, consisting of both licensed and franchised stores. In addition, it owns and 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 an unparalleled online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. In addition, the company operates ePregnancy.com, an online resource for parents. 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.

Toy Industry Association

North American Toy Industry Has Made $50 Million in Charitable Donations Through Toy Industry Foundation’s Toy Bank Program

Over 7 Million Toys Distributed to Children around the Globe

The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) announced that generous product donations received during the 2009 holiday season helped the industry reach an incredible milestone of $50 million dollars in donated toys. The product donations were received via The Toy Bank, which was established as the Toy Industry Foundation’s signature program in 2003.

In the six years since The Toy Bank program’s launch, more than 1,000 toy companies have donated over seven (7) million toys for children in need across the globe.

“The mission of toymakers is to bring joy to children’s lives,” said Jean Butler, TIF Executive Director. “The Toy Industry Foundation is proud to represent such an altruistic industry. Through the generosity of these companies, we have been able to share the incredible excitement of toys and play with children in need worldwide.”

Nearly 400 charities have received toys for the children they serve who are living in poverty, rescued from abuse, seeking treatment for chronic illnesses, and going through many other difficult situations. The Toy Industry Foundation has proudly partnered with the following leading national organizations to assist in placing the donated toys in the hands of children in need:

- Gifts in Kind International, Inc.
- Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc.
- Ronald McDonald House Charities®
- My Stuff Bags Foundation
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Through the Foundation’s Play HealsTM program, every Ronald McDonald House in the United States and Canada can request Toy Bank toys for the children they serve. With help from TIF, each year the My Stuff Bags Foundation provides more than 30,000 duffel bags filled with toys, clothing and personal care products to children in foster care. The newest TIF partner, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, is distributing toys to the children on U.S. military bases with the highest deployment rates through the TIF’s new Play Comforts initiative.

The next big toy collection will take place after the American International Toy Fair, held in New York City on February 14-17, 2010. Exhibiting companies will be invited to contribute product to The Toy Bank.

Santa Joined with TIF at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to Make the Holidays Merry for Military Kids

Building on a commitment to our country’s military families shown during Fall Toy Preview®, the Toy Industry Foundation was excited to launch its new national Play Comforts, partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America Military Services at a special toy distribution at The Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC on December 15, 2009.

More than 750 toys were distributed to deserving service men and women — many of whom have served multiple tours of duty in Iraq — and their families. Santa and several elves assisted with the distribution as carolers sang holiday melodies.

“Through The Toy Bank, TIF was able to spread some holiday joy by providing new toys and gifts to children of military families,” explained Jean Butler, TIF executive director. “It was very humbling to be among service members who were injured in the wars … their sacrifices left an impression on all of us. Our work with the Boys & Girls Clubs will help us get toys into the hands of deserving military kids across the country.”

The Play Comforts partnership with BGCA focuses on delivering toys to children on military bases with the highest deployment rates. The initiative is the first-ever national toy distribution program to canvas every branch of the military- Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and the Navy. The families of both active duty and reserve personnel are eligible.

“The toys given at the event at Walter Reed and throughout the partnership will help to comfort the war-related anxieties, stress of extended deployments, tension associated with frequent moves, and depression over constant real-time conflict news coverage that these children experience,” added Amanda McDorman, TIF manager. “It was heartwarming to see these children become so thrilled with their new toys!”

Toymakers are encouraged to make a product donation to help brighten the lives of military families throughout the year; for more information, please contact Toy Bank Coordinator Marisa Medina (646.454.5581).