Following the conclusion of Learning Express Toys‘ 22nd annual Convention and Vendor Expo in New Orleans, vendors and exhibitors donated thousands of toys to the Marine Toys for Tots Program.
The event, which took place June 23 to 26, brought toy and game makers face to face with more than 100 Learning Express franchise owners to showcase new products. This year’s theme took inspiration from New Orleans’ Mardi Gras tradition — “Unmask Your Store’s Potential!”
Donations received at the close of this year’s Convention range from art kits, to infant toys, to sports equipment — all set to benefit kids in the local area.
“We are humbled and grateful to have such generous and wonderful toy vendors that are willing to donate new toys to children in need,” says Sharon DiMinico, CEO and founder of Learning Express Toys. “We are also extremely grateful for the Toys for Tots organization for coordinating and facilitating these substantial donations.”
“We believe every child deserves a little Christmas. Less fortunate children within the New Orleans area will be overjoyed to receive these toys,” adds retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Learning Express Toys has been a very valuable partner in helping Toys for Tots deliver a message of hope to children in need.”
Plans are already underway for the 23rd annual Learning Express Toys Convention and Vendor Expo, set to take place in Chicago next June.