Toys for Tots

A variety of notable retailers, toymakers, musicians, and celebrities are teaming up with Toys for Tots this holiday season.

Now through Christmas, the U.S. Marines and volunteers are conducting 812 local toy collection and distribution campaigns across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Toys for Tots’ mission is to provide happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during each holiday season. The organization seeks donations of new, unwrapped toys, games, and books that will be distributed by the U.S. Marines.

Magformers - Toys for TotsMagformers, the industry leader of construction magnetic toys for kids, is among the toymakers entering into a partnership with Toys for Tots. The company is participating by donating over $25,000 worth of toys through a “buy one, give one” program available to shoppers at Magformers.com through Dec. 31.

“As an industry leader in magnetic building toys, we believe it is vital for children to develop through creativity,” says Chris Tidwell, CEO of Magformers. “The importance of giving back and being kind is not overlooked when it comes to our mission. This partnership is the perfect opportunity to introduce children to our products and teach them lessons in STEM early on. We hope our work with Toys For Tots inspires others to pay it forward this holiday season.”

Products included in the promotion include the STEM.org authenticated Dolce plush line and select Clicformers items.

Beginning Friday, songstress Mariah Carey will be on the road for the All I Want for Christmas is You Tour presented by Hallmark. One dollar from each ticket sold will be donated to Toys for Tots, and fans are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys that will be accepted at each tour venue. Tickets are on sale via Live Nation. Hallmark will also donate one itty bittys plush figure to Toys For Tots for every itty bittys figure purchased through Christmas Eve.

Swagtron, maker of scooters and light electric vehicles, launched its first “Giving is Swag” promotion to raise awareness and to encourage donations to Toys for Tots. The company is giving away $50,000 worth of Swagtron products autographed by musicians, bands, and artists including Sid Wilson of Slipknot, Pop Evil, Bad Wolves, Bryce Vine, New Kids On The Block, Five Finger Death Punch, Illenium, Krewella, Sevendust, Shinedown, Asking Alexandria, Papa Roach, Skillet, Nonpoint, Three Days Grace, Alien Ant Farm, and more. Swagtron is running a “Give 5, Get 5” donation and discount program on all purchases made through Swagtron.com using code GIVING-IS-SWAG at checkout. The company will donate 5% in-kind from any purchase made using the code to Toys for Tots, and shoppers will receive 5% off the price of their purchase.

“We wanted a way to give back to kids that was in line with the spirit of the brand,” says Jason Wakefield, Swagtron chief marketing officer. “And I can’t think of a better way than teaming up with a world-class organization like Toys for Tots and some legendary friends to spread some swag this holiday season.”

To ensure transparency and authenticity, all donations from Swagtron will be accepted and donated to Toys for Tots through the With Arms Wide Open Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit founded by Creed frontman Scott Stapp.

“I’ve been a big fan of Swagtron since I first threw a leg over a Swagcycle,” says Stapp. “And when I found out they were working to give back to kids, it was something close to my heart. I was happy to help.”

Toys For TotsThe Walt Disney Co. has supported Toys For Tots since its launch in 1947, when Disney animators created the Toys For Tots train logo that is still in use today. This year, Disney is participating in the World’s Ultimate Toy Drive campaign to benefit Toys for Tots. Running now through Dec. 15, the initiative kicked off on Veteran’s Day when Tamron Hall presented a $300,000 donation to Toys for Tots on behalf of The Walt Disney Co. Public donation boxes for new, unwrapped items are collecting donations at Disney Stores and select events around the country. Contributions can also be made through shopdisney.com. For every toy donated, Disney will donate an additional dollar to Toys for Tots.

In support of the campaign, content from across Disney’s media networks — including ABC’s The Goldbergs, The Conners, and Fresh Off the Boat; ABC and Disney Channel’s holiday special The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration; and Freeform’s Wrap Battle — will feature storyline integrations that highlight the season of giving and supporting all families in need.

Mandy Moore recently joined Holiday Mickey and members of the U.S. Marine Corps (pictured top) at the Glendale Galleria Disney store to donate toys for children in need. Disney Stores are offering a Toys for Tots Mickey Mouse Holiday Train pin which benefits Toys for Tots with one dollar from each purchase.

Finally, Learning Express Toys & Gifts is partnering with Toys for Tots as a national corporate sponsor for the second year in a row. For every dollar donated by customers at the register, many Learning Express stores will donate $2 worth of toys. Additionally, many of the stores will also serve as a drop-off location for toy donations.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5IqL8Xgpar/

“We had such a tremendous turn out from last year’s toy drive efforts and were able to donate over $100,000 worth of toys to children over the holidays,” says Sharon DiMinico, founder and CEO of Learning Express Toys & Gifts. “We want to exceed last year’s donations and help keep the holiday magic alive for more kids this year.”

Visit toysfortots.org to learn more about how to contribute.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.

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