Toys Needed for Ronald McDonald House “Cowboy Hoedown” Party

June 7, 2012 | Each year, the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) celebrates the start of summer with a party and toy giveaway for pediatric cancer patients at the Ronald McDonald House in New York City. This year, the Cowboy-themed party will be held on July 16th, bringing laughter and fun to 100 children and family members battling pediatric cancer… but TIF needs the toy industry’s help. 

Toys that fit the “Cowboy/Hoedown” theme are greatly needed to make this event possible. Arts and crafts, board games, puzzles, dolls, action figures, books, DVDs, cars and trucks, and play costumes that feature a Western element will help to ease the intense emotional and medical difficulties faced by these young patients.

“TIF will host this uplifting event to bring support and comfort to these kids through play,” said Marisa Medina, Foundation manager. “Living at their ‘home away from home’ at Ronald McDonald House, these children truly appreciate every chance they get to let go of their worries and have some fun!”

The residents and their families will spend the evening on the House’s patio, where they will be served dinner, engage in fun activities with staff from TIF and the Toy Industry Association (TIA),  and of course, get to play with their new toys. [View stories and photos from past events]

TIF will recognize donor companies on the TIF website, in the Annual Report and in the Toy of the Year Awards Tribute Book. To donate Western-themed product, simply fill out a product donation form and return it by fax (212-675-1328) or email. All donation forms should be submitted by June 27th to ensure that the toys can be included in the event.

Toys and games of all kinds are welcome 365 days a year and can be contributed to the general Toy Bank network or another TIF partnership.