Richard Gottlieb

The Toy Industry Gives

Thanksgiving week seems like an appropriate time to find out what the toy industry is doing for those in need. Who better to tell us than Jean Butler, the Executive Director of the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF)?

TIF is the charitable wing of the Toy Industry Association and under Jean’s leadership, the Toy Industry Foundation has launched several national programs including Play Helps, to aid the children of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Play Heals, a national partnershipwith Ronald McDonald House Charities. 

Here is my interview with Jean:

Richard:

Why was TIF founded, when and by whom?

Jean:

TIF was founded in 1961 by leaders of the toy industry to address the needs of underprivileged children. At that time, the Foundation consisted of a loosely structured organization which provided financial support to charitable organizations such as Parents Anonymous and others.   In 2002, TIA launched a more formalized, official entity replete with staff, mission, goals and signature programming.

Richard:

Why is there a need for TIF?

Jean:

TIF represents the collective commitment of the entire North American industry in pursuit of a common goal: to provide joy, comfort and learning to children in need through the experience of toys and play. Our work complements the charitable arms of larger manufacturers and offers a philanthropic outlet for those who may not have their own formal philanthropies. The Foundation provides all in the toy industry with opportunities to serve children in need.

Richard:

What has been done with the money and toys collected by TIF?

Jean:

The toys that are collected through TIF’s signature program, The Toy Bank™, are distributed to more than 125 charitable agencies each year. Since inception, we’ve collected more than 5 million toys! The money that we raise enables us to make grants to deserving organizations such as Ronald McDonald House Charities, operate programs such as The Toy Bank, publish and distribute hundreds of thousands of educational guides about toy safety, initiate toy distribution events in local communities and promote the Toy Industry Foundation to the industry at large.

Richard:

How does TIF raise money?

Jean:

TIF collects financial contributions year-round; however, our primary fundraising vehicle is the TOTY Tribute Book, in which we sell ads to the toy and children’s entertainment communities. We also have a personal donation program called Leaders Circle which is gaining in popularity. Most recently, we added a new initiative and collected a $25 donation from those who attended the Fall Preview Cocktail reception in Dallas. We’re always looking for ideas to enhance our efforts!

Richard”

How has the toy industry responded to TIF?

Jean:

The toy industry has been most generous in donating toys to the Toy Bank. We are fortunate to have the support of returning donors year after year with new contributors joining us each month. Beyond The Toy Bank, however, there is so much that the Foundation would like to be able to do to make play possible for all. Our initiatives are funded through the financial support of the industry and its leaders and we rely heavily on that support. TIF is in its growth stage so we are thankful to those who donate their time and resources to allow us to serve children in need and our industry as a whole.

Richard:

Tell me about your new, national partnership with My Stuff Bags.

Jean:

The unique partnership with My Stuff Bags will enable the TIF to provide comfort and send a message of hope to the thousands of children each year who are rescued by social service agencies throughout the country. Our partnership, which includes a pledge of $400,000 and 50,000 toys over two years, will be the most significant commitment to date from the Foundation. It is our hope that this groundbreaking partnership will allow even more members of the toy community to become involved in our philanthropy through stuff-a-thons and toy donations throughout the year.

Richard:

How has the current economic crisis affected the work of TIF?

Jean:

As you can imagine, due to the current state of the economy, requests for children in need have skyrocketed. In fact, The Toy Bank received requests for holiday toys as early as the summer!  Families are struggling more than ever to provide life’s basic necessities and we are struggling to keep up with their needs. As an industry, however, we are in the unique position to not only lend support, but also to offer the joy that comes through play. After such a difficult year, children and their caregivers are especially in need of that reason to smile and together through the Foundation; we can remind them that there are people out there who truly care.

Posted by Richard Gottlieb on November 26, 2008 | Comments (0)