by The Toy Association | 13 Jun 2025
Press Release
290,000 Brand-New Toys Donated by 15 Toy Companies Will Bring Joy to Children in Need Around the World
NEW YORK, NY | June 11, 2025 – The Toy Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Toy Association, is joining forces with 15 toy companies to celebrate the second annual International Day of Play on June 11. More than 290,000 brand-new toys and games valued at $3 million will be distributed to children in need across the U.S. and around the world to mark International Day of Play, which aims to drive a global play movement for children everywhere, underscoring the essential role of play in every child’s development, well-being, and education.
To celebrate this important initiative, The Toy Foundation activated its core giving program, The Toy Chest, which is the only toy industry-wide giving initiative that harnesses the power of toys to comfort children when they need it most. Through the belief that play is a vital component of childhood and that every child should have access to the healing power of play, these donations will benefit children facing hospitalization, in low-income communities, and affected by natural or humanitarian disasters.
“Play is essential for all children by fostering learning, creativity, and social connection,” said Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. “We are proud to once again celebrate International Day of Play by supporting children who may not otherwise be able to experience the joy of play. Special thanks to our many valued corporate partners who have generously provided tens of thousands of toys and games, empowering us to bring play to children in need around the world.”
From plush, dolls and educational toys, to action figures and building sets, 290,365 toys in total are being donated by Build-A-Bear Workshop, Fashion Angels, Hasbro, Just Play, The LEGO Group, Mattel, Melissa & Doug, The Moscahlaidis Foundation, Re-marks, Safari Ltd., Sky Castle Toys, Snap Creative, Spin Master, SPIRIT and TeeTurtle.
Since the beginning of the year, The Toy Foundation’s Toy Chest program has collected $9 million in toys from the toy industry and distributed them to 1.5 million children in need. Since its founding in 2003, The Toy Chest has delivered toys to 35 million children globally. For more information about The Toy Foundation’s work and to get involved by donating products and/or by making an individual or company monetary donation, visit www.ToyFoundation.org.
About The Toy Foundation™ toyfoundation.org
The Toy Foundation (TTF) is a 501 (c)(3) children's charity and philanthropic arm of The Toy Association. The uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry for the benefit of all children in need, TTF works with small, medium, and large companies to create a world where every child experiences the comfort, joy, and extraordinary physical, emotional, and educational benefits of play. Thanks to the toy industry's support, TTF has delivered play to 35 million children in need around the world.
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