TIF Monthly Blog

Summer = Time to play!

2011-05-19T14:17:00.001-04:00

Spring is finally here! If any of you live here in the Northeast, I am sure you are happy to see the thermometer go up and the trees turning green. Things are certainly springing along here at the Foundation. We have been celebrating National Foster Care Month with our 3rd Annual Do Good Stuff-a-Thon and our Virtual Do Good Stuff-a-Thon. We will also be releasing our 2010 Annual Report very soon showcasing all of the wonderful work we were able to do because of our terrific supporters, donors and partners.

As I try to catch my breath, I start to think about how summer is just around the corner and soon all of the kids will be getting out of school. As a former Teach for America teacher, it brings back memories of my students and how they were itching to get away from math books and homework (and the school with no air conditioning). But when they got home, there wasn’t much for them to do. Their families couldn’t afford to send them to summer camps, let alone buy them new summer toys. We often overlook the value of play and how it can teach children many things when they are not in the classroom.

For example, when I was a child I had this painting kit I must have received as a gift because I am not an artistic person (anyone who has seen my stick figure drawings will agree). But I was really excited about the kit because it came with a paint by number picture of a wolf with a mountain and a lake in the background. I would layer our white kitchen table with paper towels and set up my paint, easel and picture. It took a lot of concentration to make sure I didn’t dip the paint brush in the wrong color and figure out how to put just enough paint on the picture so it didn’t run down to the bottom. I am sure I could add patience and many other things that I learned to this list. It’s just an example of how one simple toy, game, or arts and craft kit can teach children when they are not in school.

This summer, The Toy Bank has a goal to collect 325,000 toys during its annual Summer Toy Drive so children in need can have the same experiences as other children. Providing toys to these kids will bring some fun and play into their life that is often missing while giving them the opportunity to learn so they don’t fall behind in school during the summer months.

Until next time,

Dawn Herrschaft
Foundation Coordinator

Every Toy Counts

2011-04-06T14:05:00.003-04:00

It’s hard to believe so much time has passed since Toy Fair ended. It seems like just last week we were at the Jacob Javits Center, with 100 volunteers, clad in bright orange t-shirts, scouring the show room floors. This year we were fortunate to have our story told on NY1 news so that everyone could see the effort and energy that goes into collecting truckloads of toys.

What few people saw, however, was the dedication of the Toy Bank team the morning after show’s close. Toy Fair encompasses over 350,000 square feet of space. Our team walked every foot, down every aisle, examining every booth to ensure that no toy was left behind.

You can imagine after months of planning, days of events and hours of collecting, the engines run on limited fuel come Thursday morning. That’s exactly when you find yourself faced with a discarded pile of toys that might be trash or might be treasure. I specifically remember stumbling upon one such group of wooden items with no indication from the exhibitor whether they had intended to contribute to the toy drive.

You can’t always assume that just because someone has left product behind, they wish for it to go to charity. We hear several reasons why someone chooses not to give to the Toy Bank during Toy Fair: they’ve sold their booth, they’re taking samples on to another show, or the product they brought is a one of a kind pro-type. Some donors wish to give, but they don’t want to fill out paperwork, and as a result, we lose the opportunity to declare the true collective commitment of our industry to kids in need.

On top of that, this discovered pile was so big that we would have had to build a giant box, locate a dolly that wasn’t in use in the midst of breakdown and find someone to help with the heaving lifting to pack the product. This is the moment when you find yourself asking - does it really matter? Who’s going to know? We’ve been on our feet for days, we’ve already packed up 8 semis full of amazing pieces - do we really need to knock ourselves out for one more toy?

The answer, of course, is always yes. The events team got on the horn to locate the exhibitor who was on their way back home and make sure it was okay to gather what they had left behind. We enlisted our friendly floor managers to flex some muscles and it was a sight I will not soon forget to see these big guys, firefighters nonetheless, delicately packing a pink and purple palace, tiny table and tea sets in tow.

Two months later, on a site visit I found myself standing in front of that same dollhouse at a homeless shelter in the Bronx. It has made its way all the way across the Harlem River to some truly deserving kids in need. The charity’s staff explained to me that the house is not simply a toy, but a morale booster and the highlight of their playroom. There are over 80 school-aged children who live in that shelter, facing their own “disaster” of poverty and uncertainty each day. They know and I’ve never been more proud of the work we do for them and the so many others our foundation and our industry are able to touch through the Toy Bank.

Until next time,

Amanda McDorman
Senior Manager

A Message from Jean Butler, Executive Director

2011-02-24T12:00:00.004-05:00

Last week the toy industry celebrated the 11th Annual Toy of the Year Awards. We applauded the creativity, ingenuity and innovation that make this industry so magical. We also shined a spotlight on the successes of the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) in the past year. TIF is unique in that it represents the collective commitment of the toy industry at large to help children who need it- impoverished children, sick children, abused and neglected children and children in military families. In 2010 alone, TIF reached more than 550,000 of these children! How did we do it? With help from our national partners- K.I.D.S., My Stuff Bags, Ronald McDonald House Charities and Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Kids In Distressed Situations, or K.I.D.S., became our exclusive Toy Bank partner in 2010 and they ensure that every toy donated to the Toy Bank winds up in the hands of a deserving child. They have enabled us to have a greater impact globally and domestically, especially in the wake of natural disasters. We are grateful for their partnership.

My Stuff Bags serves crisis shelters and agencies in 36 states. We have seen firsthand, the palliative and restorative power toys can have on foster children who have been abused, neglected and abandoned. At the events TIF hosts with My Stuff Bags, the children have to be reassured that they really can KEEP the bags and everything in them because they truly have nothing of their own. We renewed our financial commitment to this organization in 2011 and look forward to expanding our reach, stuffing more bags and putting more smiles on the faces of these children.

Ronald McDonald House Charities helps us comfort sick children and their family members who are coping with significant emotional trauma. At an event we organized in Chicago, one of the children, weak and hairless from his treatment, ambled in, picked a toy from the table and told us that this particular toy would help him get through his next round of chemotherapy. There are times when this job is so rewarding. This was one of them!

Finally, our newest partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) means that children in military families suffering through the deployment of one or both parents now have a toy to alleviate the stress of separation.

We criss-crossed the United States in 2010 and organized toy distribution events with every branch of the US military- the Coast Guard, the Army, the Marines, the Navy and the Air Force. We even delivered toys to the families serving at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba!

All of the children at these bases feel lonely and isolated. What better way is there to remind these children that someone cares about them than with a toy? It is who we are and what we do. We increased our financial commitment to BGCA in 2011 and will serve a greater number of military bases and children both at home and abroad.

2011 is off to a fantastic start!

Seasons Greatings from GTMO

2010-12-07T12:27:00.003-05:00

As I think I’ve written before in earlier entries, I come from a family of service. My grandmother was a Marine and my grandfather served in the Navy during World War II. Growing up I heard stories of Pearl Harbor and they played in my mind like a movie. I was proud of the bravery demonstrated by my loved ones, but I don’t think I truly understood the reality of all that is given by a military family until this week.

The Toy Industry Foundation in partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Military Services is just now returning from a truly special Play Comforts toy distribution at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The Play Comforts program sends toys to children at Boys and Girls Clubs on military bases of every branch with the highest deployment rates. For the holidays, we wanted to go the extra (90)mile(s) and reach those who might need even more cheer – the families stationed at GTMO.

In preparation for this adventure any time I mentioned our upcoming plans to a colleague or friend the answer was always the same – “I didn’t think there were any kids at Guantanamo.” In fact there are several hundred children, from teens to tots whose parents serve on base and the fact that nobody thinks of them was exactly the reason to go.

In Cuba we stayed in quarters that are sometimes used by servicemen and women. The internet is spotty and on our last night, we lost full power for over two hours, as I’m told happens from time to time. I have friends who served during the Gulf War on aircraft carriers who were able to call me in the United States from the middle of the ocean, but on base at GTMO there are no cell phones. As a teen, that means no texting. I can remember a time before cell phones, but these kids can’t. Imagine being surrounded by friends and activity in the states when your parent gets transfer orders to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. You don’t just have to leave your phones, friends, pets, etc. behind; you leave behind a way of life.

What you find in Cuba, however, is a reminder of simpler times - friends waving to each other as they pass in the street and concern for one another’s well being.
Having hosted events with each branch of the military this year, I’ve had the chance to visit several bases and work with the incredible Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) staffs. Morale is so important when you are asked to sacrifice so much anywhere, but especially here.

In addition to the toy giveaway with Santa, the Foundation staff also took part in the annual Holiday Parade where we literally drove a pick up truck covered in tinsel down the main street. Jeeps were draped in lights. Cheerleaders marched with pom poms in tow. Waving to the crowds along the streets we shouted Happy Holidays for all to hear. What we were really saying though was “We are proud of your service,” and “You are remembered and appreciated”.

Until next time,

Amanda McDorman
Foundation Manager

2010-10-27T11:51:00.002-04:00

My name is Dawn Herrschaft and I recently joined the Toy Industry Foundation as the Foundation Coordinator.

As summer, fall and winter start to blur together, I thought I would take the time to reflect back on the past two months before I jump into the next set of events that are appearing on the horizon.

My first event was in September at the Mott Haven Academy Charter School where we handed out My Stuff Bags to kindergartners. As a former teacher, I was thrilled to go back to school and tour the school’s new building. It was great to hear all of the support the school offers the children and their families.

At the event, the first bag I gave out was to a boy who looked at me, wrapped his arms around my legs and hugged me very tight. His reaction surprised me and brought tears to my eyes. It showed me how much these children need and appreciate these gifts. Even the simplest gifts, such as a toothbrush, lit up their faces. To see more, check out our video on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ToyIndustryFoundation

The next event was Fall Toy Preview in Dallas, TX. I spent most of the week walking around a lot talking to exhibitors about The Toy Bank and how they could donate toys after the show or in the future. After walking what felt like 8 miles every day around the Dallas Market Center, it was great to see all of the toy donations at the close of the show. All of the companies that donated were so generous and really gave us some great toys that are being distributed to local Dallas charities and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Military Services.

I am really looking forward to our largest distribution event ever! The TIF staff will be travelling in November to MacDill Air Force Base, Florida with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Military Services to distribute toys to nearly 5,000 children!

Until next time,

Dawn Herrschaft
Foundation Coordinator

Fond Farewell!

2010-06-16T09:11:00.008-04:00

For the past year and a half, I've worked with an amazing team to bring play into the lives of children in need. Sometimes a day at the office meant attending meetings or calculating spreadsheets, but others meant throwing a luau for families at a Ronald McDonald House or mobilizing a hundred volunteers to collect toys at a trade show for local children's charities. There has rarely been a dull day while working at the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF), but even with all of the great work we do, I must now say goodbye.

The life of a commuter isn't easy, so I've decided to eliminate the daily grind so that more of my time can be dedicated to helping others. The stress of commuting was nothing, though, compared to the everyday experienced by so many of the children served by TIF. I have been very proud to help make a difference in the lives of children living in poverty, foster kids, the sons & daughters of our nation's troops, children undergoing medical treatment, and many others in need of comfort.

I'll never forget the joyful feeling experienced when talking to someone who has just donated to The Toy Bank for the first time, or how moving it is to see a foster child pull a toy from their My Stuff Bag and say, "Is this really for me?" I'll also never forget how privileged I've been to work with such a dedicated team of caring individuals. Working with the staff of the Toy Industry Foundation, Toy Industry Association, and our national partners the My Stuff Bags Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of America Military Services, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and others, has been an incredible experience that I will take with me wherever I go.

Thank you TIF, TIA, as well as our donors, volunteers, and partners. Keep on playing - it does make a difference!

Farewell,

Marisa Medina

Former Toy Bank Manager & TIF Coordinator

A Meaningful May

2010-05-21T14:14:00.005-04:00

Being a California native I am always delighted when travel for work takes me back to my roots - particularly in the middle of a very rainy spring in Manhattan! This year the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) hosted its Second Annual Do Good Stuff-a-thon on Friday, May 7th in Westlake Village. We then added to our busy calendar a toy distribution for military families with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America on Monday, May 10th in San Diego. That schedule meant that I would have the serendipitous good fortune of actually getting to spend Mothers Day at home this year.

Not wanting to miss a moment of this opportunity, my mom actually joined in the fun to do good stuff at the My Stuff Bags warehouse and volunteer headquarters. When on my side of the map in New York, my mother will on occasion stop by TIF’s offices to help with mailings or data entry during her visits, but this experience was so much more special to share. She was able to see the entire toy industry come together - from manufacturers to licensors to testing labs alike - to help make a difference in the lives of foster children in need. With great pride I was able to demonstrate – “this is my community and it’s not just our business, we truly care about children’s welfare.”

Having my mother witness our group assemble 5,000 duffels filled with necessities for children in crisis was not lost on me in light of where the bags were going. I cannot imagine being removed from my home in the middle of the night, not know where I will spend the next day, week, month, year. I cannot imagine not having my mom beside as a child to calm my fears and provide for me. The children that our partner My Stuff Bags serves face those realities everyday.

On Monday we addressed another deserving population of kids - the sons and daughters of our nation’s Navy and Marines. I wondered how many young ones had just spent the day before without their own mom at home. How many dads had to send special greetings from overseas to the mothers of their children?

My mom’s mom was a Marine so I was especially proud to have the opportunity in some way to honor my family’s matriarch and thank those who sacrifice so much for our freedom. Children serve too and if the Toy Bank’s toys allowed them to put away their fears and anxieties and just be kids, even if only for the afternoon, then that’s the real mother’s day gift I was most grateful to deliver in person.

Until next time,

Amanda McDorman
Foundation Manager

April 2010

2010-04-16T17:02:00.004-04:00

A Simple Plan

As semi-official photographer for the Toy Industry Foundation, I was honored to be invited to fly down to Portsmouth, VA on March 25th with TIF’s Jean Butler, Amanda McDorman, and Marisa Randall to document the Foundation’s toy distribution at the U.S. Coast Guard base there.

We would catch an 11:30 flight, arrive in time for a nice lunch, then set up at the base for the 4-5:30 event. It was a simple plan. What could go wrong?

Well, let me count the ways:

At about 8:30 on the morning of the 25th, all four of us received an email and recorded voice message from the airline, telling us the flight was delayed for an hour. OK, we had enough time built into our schedule to accommodate this.

An hour later, we received another email and recorded voice message from the airline, telling us the flight was further delayed another two hours. Uh-oh. We were now in danger of missing the event.

With no other options – and the possibility of another flight delay – one of us had the bright idea to actually drive down to Virginia. Never mind that we had no idea how long the drive would take. We didn’t even have time to get directions.

After several frantic emails and calls, we decided to meet at a midtown New York location at 10:15 – pile into my Acura MDX – and head south. (Good thing, too, since we then received an email and voice message that our flight had been cancelled.) We would depend on my Garmin GPS to get us to Portsmouth.

Of course, today was the day that my Garmin decided to get creative and take us on the scenic route. To this day, I’m not sure why Garmin suggested we get off I-95 somewhere in Delaware (or was it Maryland?) and take the side streets through some of the smallest towns I’ve ever seen. It was when we ended up at the Jesus Love Church on Walnut Street – going 20 mph – in some town straight out of the Newhart show that I lost it. I gunned the engine out of frustration – nearly driving my passengers out of their seats – and headed for the nearest highway.

The “highway” I picked had traffic lights every block.

Pulled into a gas station for our one and only bathroom break. (With three women in the car, this was quite the accomplishment). I can say with some confidence that the bathroom hadn’t seen a can of Lysol since the days of the Confederacy.

I turned around and looked for the first directional sign that said “South.”

For better or worse, I was again following Garmin’s creative driving directions. At least the major roads were clear and I was able to do 90mph to make up for lost time …

until we hit Norfolk, Virginia at rush hour. Just 10 minutes or so from our final destination, and we had to sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic for 30 minutes. I did manage to take this picture of a cute dog from my window, however.

To make a long story short, we finally made it to the base – almost seven hours after leaving New York, but still in time to enjoy the last half hour of the event. Our partners from Boys and Girls Club Military Services couldn’t believe we actually drove down from New York after missing our flight, and awarded us special Coast Guard commemorative coins to honor our commitment to the children there.

Of course, there was still the matter of getting home.

Yep, you guessed it. After a nice dinner with our event partners, we turned around and headed back to New York. Another seven hours on the road, with one bathroom break (at the SAME Lysol-deprived gas station, believe it or not). Made it home by 3:30 AM. Got up at 7AM and went to work that morning.

I got some nice pictures, so I guess it was worth it.

-Harris Brandt

February 2010

2010-03-01T17:34:00.001-05:00

February was a time for celebrating: from Groundhogs Day to Presidents Day to Valentines Day to Mardi Gras. The Olympics brought the world together and in our world, the toy industry, the Toy of the Year Awards and Toy Fair did the same.

Personally, this Toy Fair week was by far my most enjoyable and most memorable to date. It appears the third time is a charm indeed.

At the TOTY Awards it was a delightful to be surrounded by our growing list of Leader Circle members and foundation friends and I was inspired to hear Hall of Fame Inductee John Lasseter share how his beloved Toy Story came to be. As a child he cherished his toys and truly believed that when you weren’t looking, they came to life. After watching the clip reel of his movie magic, you had to wonder if perhaps he was right.

The next day at the Jacob Javits Center, Toy Fair 2010 came to life with more optimism and energy than before. As the show’s official charity we were proud to offer exhibitors the opportunity to donate toys to Haiti through the Toy Bank’s collection at the end of show. Knowing that an exhibitor’s sample could travel from New York to Port-au-Price to comfort a devastated child in need, brought increased significance to the work we do.

The Toy Industry Foundation’s work goes beyond just collections however, and demonstrating all the facets of the Foundation with Toy Fair attendees was an enriching and fun experience. From Hula Hoop contests to Paint Jam performances the TIF team exhibited the joy that comes in representing the philanthropy of such a creative and playful industry.

As the show came to a close and the toy drive began, dozens of volunteers in bright orange Toy Bank shirts gathered all that playful creativity into bins and boxes to be distributed to the My Stuff Bags Foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs of America Military Services, the New York Foundling and other local and Haitian charities. Every book, costume, doll, game, action figure, stuffed animal, puzzle and plaything will find its way into the hands of a kid who might never have had it otherwise. And who knows, maybe one of those children, will love that toy just as much as Mr. Lasseter’s has, and a whole new world of characters will unfold.

Until next time,
Amanda McDorman
Foundation Manager

January 2010

2010-01-21T16:37:00.002-05:00

The holidays sure do pass by quickly, which is why I was so happy to have TIF participate in one of the last events of the winter holiday season. Every year on January 6th, New York City’s El Museo del Barrio holds a parade on Three Kings Day, and this year, a few of us from TIF were able to attend to hand out holiday toys and gifts to the parade’s young marchers.

At this 33rd annual event, I learned that Three Kings Day is an extremely important holiday in the Latin American community, which was evident by the parade’s sheer presence on the streets of Harlem. There were thousands of marchers, elaborate costumes and parade floats, and honored guests, including Mayor Bloomberg among other city officials. I also learned that the cold bitter January weather will never stop this celebration! Parade participants and spectators alike were all smiles as they sang traditional holiday songs, wished others “Feliz Dia De Reyes,” and watched camels trot along the parade route (who also didn’t complain about the cold).

As each child arrived at El Museo del Barrio at the end of the parade, they stopped at the toy tables to pick up a gift. Even though they were wrapped head-to-toe in hats, scarves, and heavy coats, we could see the joy each child experienced as they picked up their own toy on the way inside the museum.

It was so great being able to start of 2010 with such an uplifting community event. It reminded me of the genuine happiness that toys bring to kids, and that we couldn’t do what we do without our donors and partners. We’re all really looking forward to next year!

Until next time,

Marisa Medina
Foundation Coordinator

September 2009

2009-09-15T16:40:00.003-04:00

It’s hard to believe the summer is coming to an end already, but what better way to celebrate fall’s arrival than heading back to school!

Recently the Toy Industry Foundation was honored to host a donation event with strategic partner the My Stuff Bags Foundation, at the Mott Haven Academy Charter School in the Bronx. The Academy is unique in that it is designed specifically for at-risk students in the city’s foster care and child welfare system.

What I had not realized until the event is that often when children are in transition, they move several times a year from one foster home to another. Mott Haven is able to offer at least one constant in uncertain circumstances. Students, I learned, are now able to remain at the same school, in the same classroom with their peers, regardless of neighborhood placement. The model for the institution is ground-breaking and its young scholars are an inspiration.

Often when I tell people about the work of the Toy Industry Foundation, someone equates my job to being Santa. I explain that giving away toys to children in need isn’t always that easy. It means reaching out to donors even in difficult times when their resources may be low and it requires careful consideration when there are so many worthy causes to support and only so many toys to give.

Handing out toys and school supplies to the elated kids in Kindergarten, first and second grades, however, it did feel like Christmas. Screams of delight filled the cafeteria as children discovered brand new puppets, erasers, crayons, games and hand-made items just for them.

At the close of the day when the school buses began to load, a young girl who was barely bigger than her brand new duffel bag asked me if we were leaving. When I told her it was time to go she leaned in and gave me a hug I will not soon forget. Maybe it is just as simple as that - and I am the luckiest elf I know.

Until next time,

Amanda McDorman
Foundation Manager

Aloha! Our Ronald McDonald House Luau was a Hit!

2009-07-23T17:32:00.001-04:00

July 2009

My name is Marisa Randall and I joined the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) in November. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a fantastic team here at the Foundation, as well as many incredible volunteers. The one event I have looked forward to the most, though, was TIF’s annual visit to the Ronald McDonald House of New York City (RMDH). Each year, TIF holds a summer event for the families staying at the House as part of our Play HealsTM program, and this time around, I got to be part of the action.

This year’s event was a luau, and thanks to a few generous donors, bringing the beach to RMDH’s terrace in the middle of Manhattan wasn’t a challenge. First, I greeted guests and helped hand out bubble toys and leis as they arrived. Seeing how excited the kids were to receive these two small items told me that the event was going to be a success – I couldn’t wait to see their reaction to the rest of the party! From building sandcastles to decorating beach toys to creating seashell bracelets, there were so many activities for the kids to choose from. The island music, delicious pineapple and ham topped pizza, and umbrella in every drink also made for quite the luau atmosphere.

My favorite part of the evening, though, was teaching hula hoop lessons. As a five-time world hula hoop champion (ok, maybe just a two-time backyard hula hoop champion), I was excited to see kids jumping from their seats to either learn the basics or show off their skills – I even learned a few things during the hula hoop contest!

For me, this event truly demonstrated the healing power of play. It was so wonderful to see the smiles, hear the laughter, and experience the joy as all of the kids played out on the House’s terrace. Mahalo RMDH of NYC families! I hope you enjoyed the luau, but I want you to know that it was an exceptional night for me – all thanks to you Through all that you are facing during your time at RMDH, your positive energy and strength shine through and serve as an inspiration to us all.

Until next time,

Marisa Randall
Foundation Coordinator

Click here to view photos of the luau!

A Message from the Executive Director

2009-06-15T13:58:00.005-04:00

June 2009

I am delighted for this new opportunity to share with you the work of the Toy Industry Foundation, especially in difficult times such as these, when needs for philanthropy have increased and demands for programs, like The Toy Bank, have skyrocketed. Families have suffered over the past few months, but the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) works to ensure that children in need are afforded ample opportunities to play – an essential element in childhood development. While everyone endures this financial crisis, the kids TIF serves must also combat the crisis of illness, the loss of a parent, or situations of abuse, neglect or abandonment. During these distressful times, friends of the Foundation remain essential to enabling our work of providing joy, comfort and learning to children in need, regardless of circumstances.

Most recently, with the support of generous toy donations, monetary contributions and volunteerism, TIF was proud to host an industry-wide Do Good Stuff-a-thon to honor May as National Foster Care Month. The toy industry united in Westlake Village, California on May 19th to assemble thousands of duffel bags filled with toys, toiletries and handmade items that were distributed nationwide through our strategic partnership with the My Stuff Bags Foundation. California government officials – State Assemblymember Anthony Portantino and Senators Tony Strickland and Curran Price –joined the event as well as part of the Foundation’s strategy to bring attention to the struggles of children through advocacy and highlight the philanthropy of our industry.

Also included in TIF’s recipient charity and partnership networks are some very worthy organizations right in our own backyard. The New York Foundling, an organization that runs education and support programs for children in the New York area, just received toys after our annual toy collection at American International Toy Fair. In addition, we have distributed toys to the Ronald McDonald House of New York through Play HealsTM, a toy distribution program available to all Ronald McDonald Houses in the U.S. and Canada.

The Toy Industry Foundation is proud to be a leader in a community that works to put smiles on the faces of children - our most vulnerable citizens. Together we will continue to bring relief and comfort to the hearts of deserving kids. We hope you will take a few minutes to browse our website, and sign up to receive our quarterly e-newsletter and other announcements, to learn more about all of our current initiatives and future plans. We’d love to have you join us in our efforts to make play possible everyday.