Child’s play is important as it offers a chance to explore, to dream and to enjoy; sadly, this is not often the case for children from low income families.
Toys and other entertainment products can be valuable learning tools for children and bring a great deal of joy to them. In 2008, K.I.D.S. received a total of $8.4 million worth of new toys and entertainment products from industry leaders such as Toys “R” Us, Schylling Associates and Crayola.
Starting in 2006, Toys "R" Us, Inc. partnered with K.I.D.S. to efficiently donate excess seasonal inventory from nearly 850 stores, with each store’s donations assigned to a nearby community agency. As K.I.D.S.’ largest retail partner, the company donated more than $5 million of new toys and products to children in 2008. |
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Through their Annual Holiday Toy and Gift Drive, The Today Show Charitable Foundation collected $1.1 million worth of new toys and donated them to K.I.D.S. for distribution to underprivileged children
We also work with the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) collecting new toys from vendors exhibiting twice a year at the American International Toy Fair in New York and the Fall Toy Preview in Dallas. In 2008, we collected $400,000 worth of new toys working with the TIF.
Donor Spotlight: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
In 2009, K.I.D.S. and Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment started a relationship with an initial donation of 1.1 million new DVDs, with a retail value of $22.8 million. Another donation of 1.2 million DVDs worth $26.5 million followed in the fall, providing our agencies with high quality entertainment for millions of children in need. With varied subject matter to meet the needs of a broad range of individuals, the DVDs were sent to agencies in 19 states and Canada. Agency recipients could hardly contain their excitement and appreciation; for the children, the DVDs served as a source of joy, interest and stimulation. |
