TIF Honored for Play Your Part LA, Looks To Chicago for July Event  

June 24, 2016 | Linda Suh knows the value of sleep. After all, she’s the CEO of Cloud b, a company specializing in toys and products designed to help children sleep soundly. But on the morning of June 16^th, she was wide awake with excitement. Rather than routinely commuting to her Gardena, California office, she and several staff members instead traveled to Compton for a chance to provide foster care children with the magic of toys and play at the annual Play Your Part LA event.

Hosted by the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) and National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the volunteer and networking event brought together more than 200 local toy industry professionals, like Suh, to sort, wrap and pack toys, and write letters of encouragement for foster care children in Southern California. Suh said she was especially thrilled to meet certain new participants at this year’s Play Your Part event – approximately 100 local foster children.

“Seeing the immediate reaction of the kids when they received packages was an amazing experience for the volunteers, and the children were so genuinely happy,” said Suh.

More than 40 toy retailers, manufacturers and companies participated via donations, sponsorships or volunteerism. Manufacturers and retailers generously donated toys, games and playthings to TIF’s Toy Bank, which were in turn assembled by the volunteers and destined to reach more than 25,000 children in Southern California and seven additional states.

TIF’s community impact was publicly acknowledged when the Foundation was honored by the California Legislature for its dedication and commitment to youth in the foster care system. A representative for 64^th District Assemblymember Mike Gipson presented a proclamation signifying TIF’s “eternal impact on the lives of many” in the district.  Additionally, local news affiliate KABC was on hand to film the festivities and featured a segment on the evening news to an audience of 200,000. 

“TIF has built tangible programs that are making a difference in children’s lives,” said TIF executive director Jean Butler. “Play Your Part LA was certainly a proud day for the toy industry.”

Butler noted that the positivity surrounding the program is already following TIF to Illinois in the way of donations, registrants and sponsorships for the second annual Play Your Part Chicago, which will be co-hosted by CASA on July 27 from noon to 2 p.m. To be held at U.S. Cellular Field, the Chicago event will include games and activity stations sponsored by local toy companies, and toys will be distributed to hundreds of local foster children scheduled to attend.

“It’s great to make products for kids,” added Suh. “But seeing how your involvement can lift the spirits of deserving children is priceless.”  

Registration is now open for Play Your Part Chicago. For more information, or to learn about sponsorship or donation opportunities, contact TIF program manager Elizabeth Max (646) 520-4851.