The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) believes every child deserves to experience the comfort, joy, and benefits of play. Through its Toy Chest program, TTF has collected thousands of toy donations from the industry and delivered them to more than 37 million children around the world since 2003. In this first article of a three-part series, TTF highlights its partnership with Jazwares, whose long-term support has helped put TTF’s belief into action.
Jazwares Cares is a global giving initiative to support the health, well-being, and educational development of children through play. For years, TTF’s Toy Chest has served as a powerful partner of this work, helping Jazwares move product quickly and efficiently to children who need it most, wherever they are in the world.
“At Jazwares, we are purposeful in how we create and deliver play to children across the globe,” said Sara Rosales Montalvo, senior vice president, communications at Jazwares. “Each year, we look to expand our reach and positive impact, and the Toy Chest has exponentially helped us bring more smiles to children who need it the most.”
Over the past decade, in-kind donations to the Toy Chest from Jazwares have reached nearly 750,000 children in under-resourced communities, hospitals, schools, and areas impacted by natural disasters. When the Eaton Fire devastated Los Angeles and Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica, Toy Chest mission partners were on the ground handing out beloved Squishmallows to children in need of comfort. Closer to home, Squishmallows and stationery sets have been delivered to Title I schools in the Bronx, NY, Chicago, IL, and Fife, WA to support students’ educational development and well-being, and incentivize classroom participation.
“We measure success by the number of children we impact each year, and with the help of Toy Chest, we are able to positively impact a child every day,” Rosales Montalvo continued.
The Toy Foundation partners with companies like Jazwares year-round through its Toy Chest product donation program to bring the transformative benefits of play to children in need. To celebrate International Day of Play, a United Nations designated global observance taking place June 11, TTF is calling on likeminded companies to donate product and help put toys into the hands of even more children.
“The Toy Foundation is honored and grateful for the support we have received from Jazwares. The reach we have accomplished together is incredible,” said Pam Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. “We invite the entire industry to join our efforts and create a world where every child experiences play.”
To coordinate a product donation for International Day of Play, or anytime throughout the year, submit a donation form.
To learn more about The Toy Foundation and its Toy Chest program, visit ToyFoundation.org or contact the the team.