Toy Foundation & Local Toy Companies Help Bring Holiday Cheer to Kids in Need
350 Deserving Children Gifted New Toys at Event Hosted by Variety – The Children’s Charity of Detroit
New York, NY | December 5, 2019 – The Toy Foundation, volunteers from Michigan-based toy companies, Delivering Good, and Variety – The Children’s Charity of Detroit, brought holiday cheer to 350 children in need during a festive event held at the Southfield Parks and Recreation Center in Southfield, MI on December 4th.
Children with unique and special needs and those in underserved communities enjoyed appearances by Santa Claus and Paws, the Detroit Tigers mascot; activities like face-painting, bouncy houses, and carnival games; and refreshments including cotton candy, pizza, and hot dogs while 150 bikes were presented to enable mobility and independence.
Each child also received brand-new toys and games – from action figures, collectibles, and role play toys to craft kits, remote control vehicles, and construction sets. More than 1,000 toys were generously donated for this cause to The Toy Foundation’s Toy Bank by American Plastic Toys, Ann Williams Group, Hasbro, Magformers, and New Bright. Volunteers from American Plastic Toys, Ann Williams Group, and Magformers helped animate activities and hand out the toys.
“The memorable evening encapsulated the true spirit of the holiday season – giving back to those in need and lighting up children’s faces with the gift of toys and play,” said Jean Butler, executive director of The Toy Foundation. “We are so thankful to the toy companies who pitched in by sending toys and volunteers and made this event a huge success – and to all those who help us bring play to millions of children in need throughout the year. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of so many!”
“For more than 20 years, this special evening has continued to bring our community together as Variety provides deserving children with the gift of mobility,” added David King, president of Variety. “We are so grateful to our sponsors, partners and supporters for their dedication to making holiday magic with bikes and toys for hundreds of children."
The toy giveaway in Southfield represented the culmination of The Toy Foundation’s 2019 “Holiday Toys Across America” initiative in partnership with Delivering Good. Through this program, the Foundation has impacted thousands of children in need living in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The Toy Foundation thanks Ann Williams Group, Magformers, and Stem.org for donating funds to help sponsor the event along with Target, Domino’s Pizza, the City of Southfield, and Franks.