Toy Foundation Partners with First Responders Children’s Foundation to Bring Sports Toys to Underserved NYC Neighborhoods
TTF’s Annual Summer Toy Drive Kicks Off Now Through Labor Day
June 14, 2021 | The Toy Foundation (TTF) has announced an exciting new partnership with First Responders Children's Foundation and its "Power of Play" program, which offers kids the opportunity to experience creative and physical play that enhances their social and emotional growth while also strengthening their physical and mental well-being.
The First Responders Children’s Foundation supports the well-being of first responder families and children who live in communities that first responders serve. The recently launched Power of Play initiative focuses on transforming play spaces within New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) public housing, where existing facilities badly need repair, into world-class backyards.
More than 100 basketball courts and soccer fields across the five New York City boroughs are being renovated and re-opened for summer, and now, the initiative is looking to donate truckloads of free sports equipment to neighborhood children so they can enjoy these new play areas to the fullest.
As a “Power of Play” partner, The Toy Foundation is encouraging toy manufacturers, distributors, and retailers interested in donating specifically to the initiative to do so now through mid-July. The following playthings are being requested for the New York City area: basketballs; footballs; soccer balls; baseballs; youth mitts and bats; jump ropes; sidewalk chalk; chess, checker, and domino sets; hula hoops; bouncy balls; mesh bags; and hand pumps. Companies that want to be a part of this effort can fill out the Toy Bank donation form and select the Toy Bank box under “Donation Type.”
“We know through our own work what a difference play can make in the physical and emotional development of today’s youth, yet still children in communities across the country lack access to the critical resources for play − toys,” said Elizabeth Max, TTF’s senior foundation manager. “That’s why we are thrilled to partner with First Responders Children’s Foundation, a recipient of The Toy Foundation's cash grants, to get toys and games into the hands of these underserved kids to enjoy all summer long!”
Jillian Crane, President of First Responders Children’s Foundation added: “This is an opportunity for The Toy Foundation members to support communities most impacted by COVID-19, many of whom have lost family members. Power of Play is designed to get kids outside to play together and experience joy again! A heartfelt thank you to The Toy Foundation for joining us in this mission.”
Members of the toy and play community are also invited to participate in TTF’s 2021 Summer Toy Drive, which is working with several other children’s charities across the U.S. to gift a summer of fun to thousands of deserving children. Companies can donate toys and games now through Labor Day.
“With schools out for summer, donations made to The Toy Bank can help ensure children in disadvantaged communities throughout the U.S. experience a magical summer of play,” said Max. “Our goal is to impact a hundred thousand deserving families between now and Labor Day, so if your company has excess inventory, we encourage you to consider making a donation.”
General toy donations to The Toy Bank may include outdoor toys, arts & crafts toys, sports toys, games, puzzles, brainteasers, ride-ons, compounds, and more. Free pick-ups can be coordinated in most cases.
Toy companies may contact Elizabeth Max to learn more about both the First Responders Children’s Foundation’s Power of Play initiative and the Summer Toy Drive. All donations are tax deductible.
To learn more about The Toy Foundation’s decades-long work, visit Toyfoundation.org.
To learn more about First Responders Children’s Foundation, visit 1stRcf.org