Your Toy Donations Deliver the Magic of Childhood
January 30, 2024 | Play brings much-needed magical moments into the lives of children in need. The toy industry’s collective donations to The Toy Foundation™’s (TTF) Toy Bank℠ have helped bring that magic and deliver comfort, joy, and the extraordinary benefits of play to 31.5 million children in need worldwide since 2003.
“We received an action figure to give to a young boy that he immediately started playing with in the middle of the room as if all the activity around him didn’t exist, and the trauma and drama he is living with melted away,” said Lynne Corry, founder of Giving Friends, a NYC-based nonprofit and TTF partner. “Nothing is more rewarding than this magic we’re creating and we’re so grateful for the industry’s generosity.”
Last year alone, the toy industry donated 2 million toys through 300 small, medium, and large-sized product donations to impact 500,000 children across the U.S. and around the globe.
“By uniting behind The Toy Bank, the industry creates a greater impact serving and supporting more children in need with the benefits of play,” said Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. "We are grateful to the companies that donated product in 2023 and previous years.”
The 2023 collection and distribution of toys included:
- 1.9 million toys collected year-round and delivered to local children’s charities throughout the U.S.
- 81,700 toys collected and delivered to children and families affected by humanitarian crises.
- 33,800 toys collected at The Toy Association™’s Toy Fair® and distributed to New York City-based nonprofits, global humanitarian organizations, and a children’s hospital nonprofit.
“Being able to hand out toys to kids affected by the Hawaii wildfires was an experience I won’t forget. Several kids came to the toy station, hiding behind their parents or with their heads down, but their eyes lifted once they saw the toy meant for them, and their excitement was palpable,” shared Alysan Burgbacher, volunteer manager for Convoy of Hope, a partner of TTF.
The collective impact the industry has created is incredible, with much work left to do. More than 9 million children are estimated to live in poverty in the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The Toy Bank is an opportunity for companies of all sizes to work together to provide every child with the joy of play.
To get involved with a product donation, complete a donation form and submit it to TTFInfo@ToyFoundation.org. No donation is too small or too large, and every toy received makes a difference in a child’s life.
To incorporate The Toy Bank within your inventory management systems, trade show exhibitor services, or diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, reach out to TTF staff.