“Thanks to our caring toy industry partners, TIF and the TODAY Show provided more than a quarter of a million dollars worth of playthings to thousands of families facing financial hardships this holiday season,” said Jean Butler, Executive Director of TIF.  “We believe in the magic of play all year long – but the need is especially great as we approach the holidays. We know that these toys and games will bring much joy and laughter to children struggling through all kinds of difficult situations."

TIF’s Jean Butler appeared on the TODAY Show yesterday (November 24) to celebrate the toy industry’s contribution to the Drive, which benefits charities nationwide that serve children living in communities most in need. The Foundation thanks the following companies for their TODAY Show donations: Decker Sisters, Diggin Active, International Playthings, Just Pretend Kids, LuLu Jr., Mattel, Monkeying Around, Moose Toys, Playmates Toys, RoomMates Décor, Silverlit Toys, Startup Games, Toy Marketing International, Vtech, WowWee Toys, and Yamie Chess.

Donations are still being accepted for TIF’s own Holiday Toy Drive, which continues through December 31^st and is expected to bring in hundreds of thousands of additional toys, books, games, DVDs, plush and more to benefit children in need all winter long. Contactthetoybank@toyindustryfoundation.org for more information.