by MADDIE MICHALIK, Assistant Manager, Content & Digital Communications, The Toy Association
One toy can make a world of difference for a child in need. Imagine a stuffed animal becoming a cherished confidant, an action figure transforming into a sidekick, or a coloring book unlocking imagination. For many kids facing hardship, these aren’t just toys — they’re a tangible reminder that someone cares.
As the holiday season approaches, The Toy Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Toy Association, is uniting companies across the toy industry to bring the magic of play to kids who need it most, regardless of their circumstances. The Foundation’s Toy Bank stands ready to partner with manufacturers, retailers, and distributors to collect new toys, games, books, and other playthings and distribute them to millions of children in need around the world.
The true power of our industry is demonstrated when we come together to make a difference. By supporting The Toy Bank’s holiday collection, you’re giving hope, joy, and the benefits of play to children who are sick, suffering, or otherwise in need. Our collective effort has the ability to transform lives and spread the magic of the season far and wide.”
Why Your Involvement Matters
The impact of a company’s toy donation extends from local communities to countries going through a humanitarian crisis. Toys collected are distributed to The Toy Bank’s nonprofit partners worldwide, including global organizations like World Vision, national programs like Hope for Henry, and local grassroots efforts such as Giving Friends, Brooklyn Youth Enrichment, Metro Kidz, and Crayons to Computers.
Many of these organizations host neighborhood toy drives during the holidays and rely heavily on donations to meet the high demand for toys. By donating to The Toy Bank, companies ensure that these organizations can allocate their already limited budgets to other critical needs and provide high-quality toys that will truly make a difference.
Participating in The Toy Bank’s holiday collection also provides companies with a meaningful way to fulfill their corporate social responsibility goals. Thanks to the industry’s enduring commitment to philanthropy, The Toy Bank has collected $20 million worth of toys this year alone and distributed these playthings to more than 1.6 million children worldwide. Since 2003, The Toy Bank has impacted 33.3 million children globally, a powerful testament to the toy industry’s collective impact when it comes together for a shared goal.
How to Get Involved
To ensure that toys reach children in time for the holidays, The Toy Bank is collecting toys through October. This allows The Toy Bank sufficient time to manage logistics and distribute the toys to its network of over 3,000 nonprofit partners. No toy donation is too small or too large; all types of products, including plush, games, craft kits, books, and more, are welcome.
The Toy Bank makes it easy for companies to contribute through various channels year-round. The Toy Bank will pick up the donation for free, provide an acknowledgment letter for tax purposes, and report back on the impact of your donation. To make a product donation, you can complete a donation form at toyfoundation.org/toy-bank and submit it to ttfinfo@toyfoundation.org. Or, you can visit toyfoundation.org/donate to make a cash donation.
The Toy Bank is your partner in delivering the gift of play. No matter where your business is based or how many toys you have to donate, you’re helping to make this holiday season unforgettable for kids who need it most. Together, we can make a world of difference — one toy at a time.
A version of this feature was originally published in The Toy Book’s 2024 LA Fall Toy Preview Issue. Click here to read the full issue! Want to receive The Toy Book in print? Click here for subscription options!
