Toy Association Members Open Their Hearts through Philanthropic Efforts
November 7, 2017 | Did you know that many toy companies are as philanthropic as they are innovative? Check out the following list of recent charitable acts by big-hearted companies including ThinkFun, Mattel, Build-A-Bear Workshop, IAmElemental, and Hasbro.
ThinkFun Focuses Giving Efforts on Teachers
ThinkFun Inc., the Alexandria, VA-based toy and game company, has devoted the vast majority of its charitable giving to teachers across the U.S. From January through October 2017, ThinkFun has donated more than $40,000 worth of games, such as its //CODE series of programming board games and its Math Dice line of games, almost all of which have gone to teachers for use in the classroom. Teachers often have to go out of pocket to purchase games and other activities for their classes, and ThinkFun’s passion for education led it to a shift in efforts that focus on helping to reduce that burden and make learning fun!
UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital Hosts 18th Annual Mattel Party on The Pier to Raise Money for Pediatric Cancer Patients
More than 2,000 guests and many of television and film’s favorite celebrities supported UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital at the 18th Annual Mattel Party on the Pier on November 5 at the famous Santa Monica Pier in California. Young influencers and celebrities greeted fans and took photos with them in an interactive selfie station and volunteered at game booths stocked with toys donated by Mattel. Guests also enjoyed complimentary glitter tattoos, hair braiding, a custom cookie-decorating station, music and dance contests, reusable Mattel Party on the Pier gift bags filled with exclusive goodies, and unlimited rides and games. Net proceeds from ticket sales and monies raised will help UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital to launch programs and support innovative research discoveries that benefit children being treated at UCLA and around the world, including supporting the pediatric hematology/oncology division, the development of new therapies for pediatric patients suffering from leukemias and lymphomas, and other pediatric cancer research.
Build-A-Bear Workshop Partners with United Way and UPS to Give 20,000 Teddy Bears to Children's Hospitals across the U.S.
In honor of the company's 20th birthday, Build-A-Bear has donated 20,000 teddy bears distributed among two dozen children's hospitals across the United States. The company partnered with United Way and UPS to coordinate the nationwide distribution. Each teddy bear is accompanied by a personal message hand-written by representatives of Build-A-Bear, United Way, and UPS. The finished bears were packaged with care by Build-A-Bear associates at the company's Bearhouse in Groveport, Ohio. Dedicated teams of UPS drivers will make sure the furry friends journey safely and quickly to every corner of the country.
IAmElemental Partners with GOOD+ Foundation on Anti-Poverty Initiative
Toy startup IAmElemental recently partnered with Jessica Seinfeld's GOOD+ Foundation. IAmElemental contributed 1,000 products including copies of its Elements of Power Board Book, which introduces young children to the Series 1/Courage superpowers of Bravery, Energy, Honesty, Industry, Enthusiasm, Persistence, and Fear in an age-appropriate way; and its Courage Tableware Set, a child-size place setting including a shatterproof plate, bowl, and glass adorned with the company’s female superheroes. The GOOD+ Foundation distributes items to low-income families in the Los Angeles area.
Hasbro Supports Children and Families Impacted by Recent Hurricanes
Hasbro is assisting children and families affected by recent hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Through the Hasbro Children’s Fund, the company, along with donations made by employees, has made a gift to the American Red Cross. In partnership with nonprofit organization Good360, Hasbro Play Relief kits filled with toys and games were delivered to shelters in hurricane-impacted areas to provide a distraction and some sense of normalcy for children and their families who have been displaced by the catastrophic events. In addition, in collaboration with the Hassenfeld Foundation, toys and games have been delivered to local children’s hospitals in Puerto Rico to bring comfort to children needing medical care. During the holidays, Hasbro will be partnering with Toys for Tots to support children in impacted areas.
Toy companies and others within the industry are encouraged to share news about their philanthropic activities for inclusion in The Toy Association’s weekly e-newsletter, Toy News Tuesday.