“Reaching $100 million worth of playthings distributed to deserving children in the past decade is an amazing milestone for the toy industry … this represents toys in the hands of 1 in 6 children in the United States!” said Marisa Medina, TIF manager. “The Summer Toy Drive is the perfect opportunity for kind-spirited manufacturers and retailers to bring the magic of play to children who are sick, underprivileged, living in foster care or on a military base, or otherwise in need.”

The Summer Toy Drive closes on August 31^st; the company that helps TIF reach the $100 million mark will receive a special toy distribution for underserved kids in their region. The winning company will be announced at the close of the Drive.

Toys donated during the drive will benefit upcoming events, including a toy distribution hosted by TIF and national partner CASA Association that will bring smiles to foster children living in Kansas City, MO, as well as a toy giveaway for pediatric cancer patients and their families living at the Ronald McDonald House of New York.  Donated playthings will also be delivered to families living on U.S. military bases through TIF’s partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America Military Services – TIF is aiming to deliver toys to 50 bases this year alone.

“The need is growing – we get requests for toys week after week for kids who are living through some very difficult circumstances,” added Medina. “We absolutely depend on the industry’s generosity to ensure that we can continue to deliver joy, laughter and play across the country and around the world.”

Donation forms may be accessed online. Any quantity of toys – from cartons to whole truckloads – is welcome at this time. TIF recognizes Toy Bank donors on the TIF website and through social media; donors will receive a supporter badge to place on their own website.