#United States #New York #Toy Chest #International Day of Play #The Toy Foundation

The Toy Foundation™ Makes a Significant Impact on the International Day of Play

On June 11, 2025, the Toy Foundation™, the philanthropic branch of The Toy Association™, took a monumental step in supporting children worldwide by collecting and distributing over 290,000 toys valued at $3 million. This initiative coincides with the International Day of Play, aiming to promote the essential role that play holds in children’s development and well-being.

In collaboration with 15 generous toy companies, The Toy Foundation’s effort is part of a larger initiative to inspire a global movement around the importance of play. This movement emphasizes that every child deserves access to play, which is vital for their growth, happiness, and education.

Pamela Mastrota, the executive director of The Toy Foundation, highlighted the importance of play, stating, “Play is essential for all children by fostering learning, creativity, and social connection.” Through this initiative, the foundation expressed its commitment to ensuring that children who are less fortunate can experience the joy and benefits that come from play.

The donated toys come from well-known brands including Build-A-Bear Workshop, Hasbro, The LEGO Group, and Mattel, covering a wide range of options from plush animals and dolls to action figures and educational toys. These contributions are primarily intended for children who face challenges such as hospitalization, living in low-income communities, or have been affected by natural disasters or humanitarian crises.

Among the toy industry collective efforts, the Toy Chest program is the cornerstone of The Toy Foundation's outreach, representing an industry-wide initiative. This program not only provides comfort to children at their most vulnerable moments but also raises awareness about the healing aspects of play. The figures are impressive, with the Toy Chest program having collected a staggering $9 million in toys this year alone, reaching 1.5 million children in need. Since its inception in 2003, the Toy Chest initiative has impacted over 35 million children globally.

This year’s celebration of the International Day of Play seeks to highlight the global need for play in children’s lives and serve as a call to action for individuals and businesses to take part. The Toy Foundation encourages donations, whether it be toys or monetary contributions to support the cause. Their website, ToyFoundation.org, offers options for engagement and highlights the foundation’s ongoing work in child advocacy.

With children around the world in dire need of joy and educational tools, The Toy Foundation’s efforts are commendable and pivotal. Supporting children's access to play not only enriches their lives but also lays a foundational pathway for their future, ensuring that every child finds joy, comfort, and the benefits of learning through play.