February 11, 2020 | In 2019, The Toy Foundation (TTF) raised nearly $13 million in toy donations servicing nearly one million children in need – and it was all thanks to members of the toy and games community. Members can once again make an impact during TTF’s largest toy drive during Toy Fair New York in multiple ways.
As the official charity of Toy Fair, the Foundation and its team of Toy Bank volunteers will collect action figures, arts and crafts products, dolls, plush, puzzles, and every other type of toy and game from exhibitor booths at the end of the show. The donated toys will be sent to carefully vetted children’s charities, including those in the Tri-State area, that are serving kids who are impoverished, neglected, living in foster care, or otherwise in need. Last year, hundreds of companies donated nearly 60,000 toys and games valued at over half a million dollars and TTF is aiming to surpass that number in 2020.
“Not all children are fortunate to have a stuffed animal to snuggle up with at night or a favorite game to play, but thanks to the brand-new playthings donated at Toy Fair we’re able to bring a bit more comfort and joy to thousands of kids in need,” said Elizabeth Max, TTF’s senior foundation manager. “Whether you are a first-time or long-time exhibitor, we encourage you to donate and help make this year’s Toy Fair collection the most significant yet.”
In addition, TTF is looking for new recruits to participate in helping collect donations this year at the close of the show on February 25. Have some extra time but can’t stay all night? TTF will work with you. Interested volunteers can simply email Elizabeth Max.
Show exhibitors that would like to participate are encouraged to donate items when the marketplace closes at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25. Those interested in donating must submit a product donation form prior to the show’s close. Forms may be dropped off at TTF’s booth (#5701) during Toy Fair. Volunteers wearing bright orange Toy Bank T-shirts will collect toys from exhibitor booths at 4:01 p.m. Contact Elizabeth Max to learn more.
Looking to make a bigger monetary impact? Members of the toy community are encouraged to join TTF’s Leaders Circle. Your contributions here help fund TTF core programs as well as grant funding to community charities we work with across the map.
Since 2003, The Toy Foundation has provided nearly $225 million in brand-new toys to over 26 million deserving children through its signature program, The Toy Bank. To learn more about The Toy Foundation and its partners visit ToyFoundation.org.