TIF Reaches Nearly 3,800 Children at USAG Hawaii CYS Services

The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) and national partner, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Military Services brought the magic of play to nearly 3,800 smiling children registered with U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii’s Child and Youth Services on April 5^th.   

The toy giveaway was part of a special event, “Journey Through Neverland,” at the Schofield Barracks Youth Center on Oahu, Hawaii. The special, fantasy-themed evening featured photo and game booths, a DJ and entertainment, refreshments, cookies and many other family-friendly features. To top off the festivities, TIF’s Play Comforts program delivered new toys ranging from plush to action figures, arts and crafts kits, puzzles and more.

“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.”

Play Comforts was launched in 2010 with BGCA to celebrate military families’ services. To date, the program has provided $6.3 million in toys to more than 1.7 million young ones at U.S. military bases worldwide. By the end of 2016, Play Comforts will have impacted the lives of families at 243 military bases over the life of the program.

“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, in a statement. “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.”

Toys 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.