More than 400 Chicago area kids living in foster care received brand-new toys and an afternoon of play at a Play Your Part—Chicago event, hosted by the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF), National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (National CASA), and CASA of Cool County. Toy industry volunteers, donors, and sponsors from more than 25 local toy companies were at the event on Wednesday, July 27 at U.S. Cellular Field.
Young kids and teens participated in the event, where they picked out their own toys and games, choosing from a selection that included arts and crafts, dolls, books, board games, and more. In total, TIF provided more than 4,500 toys valued at nearly $100,000. These kids will be gifted with additional new toys throughout the year to help celebrate birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.
The afternoon also included volunteer-led activities and games for the kids, and other activities, such as face-painting and crafts. To date, TIF and National CASA have distributed more than 265,000 toys to children in foster care.
