Write Stuff

To the editors:

I just wanted to let you know that my daughter, a kindergarten teacher in Georgia, was able to register for free LeapFrog books on the LeapFrog Web site and then give them to the kids in her class. I saw the announcement in your Playthings Extra some months back about LeapFrog's special offer for teachers and I sent it on to my daughter. How about that?

These books are now being used by kids in rural Georgia who might not have had a chance to have them, She's even thinking of getting about 1/2 dozen LeapFrog units to use in her classroom next year. So I'd say the program yielded a significant payoff. Now, if she could just get a discount or donation for purchasing the units!

Judi Fulbright, Research Specialist, Greensboro, N.C.

I want to thank you and Playthings for your recent article, “America, the colorful.” I found the article and graphs very informative. I do believe children's play is an international language and that there are no color barriers.

I do think, however, that when manufacturing certain playthings, it is important to acknowledge that the demographics of our nation are changing. I am honored to be the public relations agency for Corolle dolls, a company that has continued to diversify its line to reflect these changes.

Maggie Moss-Tucker, Moss-Tucker Associates

After reading the editorial in the June issue, I couldn't resist yet another cliche...”great minds think alike!”

Your readers have probably seen the public service print ads in recent Playthings issues promoting the Power of Play, a major public service campaign introduced by the Toy Industry Foundation, and funded by the Toy Industry Association.

What many may not know (or recall) is the fact that PSAs airing nationally were included in this major initiative. The award-winning spots were filled with touching scenes of children playing, demonstrating the magic of play.

I think you and many will be pleasantly surprised to learn that the spots continue to air on networks across the country; a friend of mine saw the “Heal the Hearts” spot in early May.

So, yes, we in the toy industry are sitting on a gold mine rich with treasures of health, stimulation, creativity, and most of all, fun. It's called children's playtime! The tools they need—toys and other playthings—are critical as they explore, discover, and create their important missions of the day.

Thank you to all at Playthings for your ongoing coverage of the industry, and your support to the TIF. We're proud to represent an industry committed to the bringing of joy, comfort and happiness.

Terri Bartlett, Executive Director, Toy Industry Foundation