by Kristin Morency, The Toy Association
“Play Your Part,” a nationwide philanthropic event series hosted by The Toy Foundation (TTF), made its way to South Florida in April, bringing brand-new toys and games to more than 250 children in need. Held in partnership with Junior Achievement South Florida at its Coconut Creek headquarters, the fun-filled day of play was made possible by local toy company volunteers and thousands of toy donations from manufacturers, retailers, and distributors to TTF’s Toy Bank.
Every child in attendance got to take home a brand-new toy of their choosing. Additional toys will be delivered to kids in need throughout South Florida to help them celebrate holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions.
“Toys provide comfort to children who are living through difficult circumstances,” said Jean Butler, executive director of The Toy Foundation. “Our inaugural Play Your Part event in South Florida was a tremendous success. We are grateful to our toy industry donors for providing the ‘tools of play’ to help these children cope, as well as to our volunteers who worked together to make this day so memorable for the children in attendance!”
Local toy companies, including Basic Fun!, Jazwares, Just Play, Getta1Games, and JC Toys, among others, participated in the event. Companies either donated toys, sponsored an activity station, or sent company volunteers, who handed out toys and led activities for the children in attendance.
The event marked TTF’s first “Play Your Part” in South Florida. Similar events have been held in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston. To date, Play Your Part has impacted more than 300,000 children in need across the country.
Sponsors for Play Your Part – South Florida included: Basic Fun!, Getta1Games, Jazwares, JC Toys, Just Play, and Women in Toys, Licensing, and Entertainment (WIT).
About The Toy Foundation
The Toy Foundation is the philanthropic division of The Toy Association, a non-profit trade association representing the toy industry. The Toy Association also produces trade shows including Toy Fair New York. Visit www.toyassociation.org for more information.