One Week Left – TIF Summer Toy Drive

August 21, 2012 | There is a little more than a week to go before the Toy Industry Foundation’s (TIF) 2012 Summer Toy Drive closes shop for another year. Toy companies that would like to be included among the companies that have joined together this season to donate toys, games and plush to children in need are invited to submit a product donation form by August 31st.

“While the holidays are typically the time of year that individuals and companies tend to give back, it’s important to remember that kids facing poverty, illness and other difficulties need our attention and help year-round,” said Melissa Kipp, Foundation Coordinator.

Since opening on May 1st, 35 children’s charities across 14 states have received toys from TIF’s 2012 Summer Toy Drive, including:

• The Dream Center in Los Angeles, CA, one of 100 Dream Centers internationally, the LA Dream Center aids more than 40,000 people each month and works closely with Los Angeles County’s Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to keep families unharmed.  Summer Toy Drive toys and games were distributed to children of families that the LA Dream Center supports.
  
  
• Dolls for Daughters in Denver, CO distributes toys to Colorado families to help relieve the financial burdens of low-income families.  The charity lends a hand by taking the necessary steps to create a stable environment for children.
  
  
• Kids Konnection in Washington, DC assists 1,500 children a week through summer camps, back-to-school sessions, Christmas events and more to try to bring about a safe and stable environment for DC’s youth.  Toys donated by generous manufacturers to TIF were distributed during the Kids Konnection summer camp.

The Summer Toy Drive has also benefited children across 16 U.S. military bases through TIF’s Play Comforts program, and the Ronald McDonald House of NYC, where the Foundation threw a “Cowboy Hoedown” party for 100 pediatric cancer patients and their family members in July.

As part of TIF’s My Stuff Bags partnership, toys donated this summer will also be placed in duffel bags containing toiletries, blankets and other comforting items, to be distributed next month to Bronx kindergarten kids living in foster care.

A full list of charities that have been supported by the drive, as well as a complete list of summer donors, will be included on the Toy Industry Foundation website in September.                

TIF’s Summer Toy Drive continues through August 31st – those who are interested in helping are encouraged to make a product donation or contact Foundation Coordinator Melissa Kipp (646-520-4878) for more information. As a special thank you, all donors are recognized in TIF’s annual publications including the Toy of the Year Awards Tribute Book, on the Foundation’s website, and via social media.