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Nearly 3,800 Children at USAG Hawaii CYS Services Receive New Toys and Games from Toy Industry Foundation

Oahu, HI | April 6, 2016 – Nearly 3,800 children registered with U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii’s Child and Youth Services received brand new toys Tuesday, April 5, from the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) and national partner Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Military Services.

The special event reached boys and girls of all ages, who received new toys ranging from plush to action figures, arts and crafts kits, puzzles and more. Army families took a “Journey Through Neverland,” at the Schofield Barracks Youth Center on Oahu, Hawaii. The special, fantasy-themed event included photo and game booths, a DJ and entertainment, refreshments, cookies and many other fun features for families.

This is the second military installation to receive toys this year through TIF’s Play Comforts program, launched in 2010 with BGCA to celebrate military families and show appreciation for their sacrifices. To date, TIF’s Play Comforts program has provided $6.3 million in toys to more than 1.7 million young ones at U.S. military bases worldwide.

“We can’t forget that when duty calls our troops, it calls their children, too. These children constantly worry about their parents’ safety, and they move frequently, giving them little time to make lasting friendships or adjust to new surroundings,” said TIF Executive Director Jean Butler. “Play is one way these families can work through their fears and enjoy their time together.  This is our way of thanking our service members and their families for the incredible sacrifices they make to keep our nation safe.”

“It’s hard for my family when I have to leave my kids. They grow so fast, they learn new words, and I’ve missed that,” said Tanya, wife of an E5 sergeant and active-duty military parent. “These toys are special to us because my kids will remember ‘mommy took me to get these toys’ every time they play with them. Thank you.”

Play Comforts is the first-ever national toy distribution program to canvas every branch of the U.S. military. TIF collaborates annually with BGCA to identify military bases that are most in need of toys due to high deployment rates and other factors. The joint group hosts special events at select bases, like the one held Tuesday at USAG Hawaii CYS Services.  In addition to toy giveaways, these unique events provide wonderful opportunities for families to get together, relax, and enjoy a fun-filled day of laughter and play.

“BGCA and our military families are extremely appreciative of our seven year partnership with the Toy Industry Foundation,” said Terrill D. McFarland, National Vice President, Military & Outreach Services, BGCA. “As we enter our 26^th year partnership with the Armed Services, we know that commitments with organizations like the Toy Industry Foundation will continue to assist BGCA in our goal to expand our support to military-connected families. The partnership with the Toy Industry Foundation has helped to put a smile on the faces of our military-connected youth. It is our way of saying, ‘Thank you for your sacrifice.’”

Playthings delivered to military bases are donated by generous toy manufacturers, retailers and distributors to TIF’s Toy Bank. The toys distributed were kindly donated by The LEGO Group, Mattel, Inc., Hasbro, Lulu Jr., The Ohio Art Company, PlayMonster, T.S. Shure, ALEX Brands, Munchkin and Mayfair Games.

By the end of 2016, Play Comforts will have impacted the lives of families at 243 military bases over the life of the program.

ABOUT TOY INDUSTRY FOUNDATION    (www.toyindustryfoundation.org)
The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) is a non-profit organization whose mission it is to bring the magic of play to children in need. While other organizations provide food, shelter and support services to children and their families, TIF sees to it that these children have toys and opportunities to play in an attempt to restore both fun and a sense of normalcy to their lives. To date, TIF’s signature program, The Toy Bank, has provided more than $128 million in toys to 19 million children in need around the globe, thanks to its generous toy donors.

ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA    (www.bgca.org)

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,100 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more on Facebook and Twitter.