If you've ever been to Toy Fair, you'll know that there are thousands upon thousands of toys on display for everyone from store owners to members of the media to take a look at. What happens to them when the fair is over? The majority of the time, the toys go back to the manufacturer, but two groups have been doing their best for the past eight years to put them in the hands of less fortunate children.
When Toy Fair closed last Wednesday at 4 p.m., 100 volunteers from the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) and Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.), hit the floor, collecting toys to be given to The Toy Bank, so they can eventually be passed on to kids who would love to play with them.
Each year, more than 200 exhibitors contribute to the annual Toy Drive; on average, 25,000 pieces, valued at approximately $250,000, are collected from the aisles at Toy Fair. Donated products collected at Toy Fair 2011 will benefit TIF's partnerships with Ronald McDonald House Charities, the My Stuff Bags Foundation and Boys and Girls Clubs of America Military Services. Products will also be distributed nationwide through K.I.D.S. to the Toy Bank network of charity recipients, including Museo del Barrio, Christ Tabernacle of Glendale, World Vision, The New York Foundling, New Alternatives for Children, Children of Promise, Bronxworks, Newark Now and Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies.
"We are delighted to be collaborating once again with the Toy Industry Foundation to put smiles on children's faces," said Dr. Janice Weinman, President of K.I.D.S. "This is such a great opportunity for manufacturers to give back to the kids who need our help the most."