Volunteer for TIF’s ‘Play Your Part Chicago’ Event this Summer

March 27, 2017 | The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) is hoping to provide comfort and joy to thousands of foster kids during its third annual “Play Your Part Chicago” volunteer event, scheduled to take place July 20 at Chicago’s White Sox Stadium. Volunteer registration for the event is open through July 6.

At this year’s event, 200 Chicago-area foster kids in attendance will receive brand new toys and games. Volunteers are needed to hand out the toys and run games and activities for the children to enjoy. In addition to the children on site, local foster kids, will be gifted with new toys throughout the year to help celebrate birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.

Toy companies can participate in the event either by either volunteering, sponsoring a portion of the event, or donating product. Toys including sports toys, multicultural dolls, action figures, board games, and other items are especially needed.

Play Your Part Chicago along with TIF’s Play Your Part LA, taking place on June 8 in Los Angeles, are hosted in partnership with the National Court Appointed Special Advocates Association (CASA) for Children. The events bring toy industry professionals together to positively impact children in need.

Last year, generous toy donors provided more than 3,700 playthings valued at more than $50,000 to foster children served by CASA of Cook County, IL. More than 70 industry-wide volunteers attended the memorable event.

“Each year thousands of children are forced to say goodbye to all that they know when they are placed into foster care. Too many of these kids spend years in the system with little hope for stability and a permanent home. Play Your Part Chicago is a fun-filled day that brings big smiles to the faces of these children, who receive toys that they can cherish and take with them,” says Elizabeth Max, TIF’s program manager.

Play Your Part Chicago will be held at Guaranteed Rate Field – home of the Chicago White Sox –from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Central). Lunch will be provided at the event.

Corporate teams and individuals have until July 6 to sign up. Sponsorship commitments are needed by June 28, while toy donations will be accepted through July 6. Contact TIF’s Elizabeth Max (646.520.4851) to register or for more information.