LA Fall Preview Tenants Donated $50,000 in Toys to Children in Need through The Toy Bank

October 14, 2024 | The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview not only showcased the latest innovations in the toy industry but also made a significant impact on children and families throughout the Los Angeles Metro area. Following the close of the inaugural marketplace, The Toy Foundation’s (TTF) Toy Bank collected thousands of toys, games, and more, valued at more than $50,000, from tenants to deliver the extraordinary benefits of play to children in need.

The items collected are being distributed through TTF’s mission partner, Dream Center, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting children and families affected by houselessness and hunger throughout LA county. Toy donations will be distributed as part of the nonprofit’s community holiday celebration, which expects up to 15,000 children at the event. Additional furniture donations collected from tenant’s spaces will be distributed to families that are part of its Transitional Housing Programs.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity of our partners,” said Crystal Hultquist, gifts in-kind director of Dream Center. “In difficult times, something as simple as a new toy can spark joy and hope in a child’s life. These donations remind families they are cared for, and we’re honored to be part of that.”

The Toy Bank is one of TTF’s turnkey corporate social responsibility opportunities to support children in need. At marketplaces or trade shows, The Toy Bank simplifies move out by collecting companies’ donations onsite and delivering them to children and families in the local community. As a bonus, it eliminates the cost and hassle of exhibitors packing up and shipping product themselves.

“At Ja-Ru, we are passionate about play and are proud to work with The Toy Bank to bring the fun and creativity of our impulse toys to deserving children,” said Russell Selevan, president at Ja-Ru Inc. “The donation process was easy and seamless; I didn’t have to worry about move-out because The Toy Association and Toy Foundation teams handled it all!”

TTF thanks T3 Expo for its partnership and support of The Toy Bank collection at the LA Fall Preview. A Toy Bank collection will also occur at the close of Toy Fair® 2025, taking place March 1 to 4 at the Javits Center in New York City.

In addition to show collections, manufacturers, retailers, and distributors can donate product to The Toy Bank year-round. Currently, The Toy Bank is focused on delivering product as part of hurricane relief efforts in the southeast U.S. and for upcoming holiday toy drives nationwide. To make a product donation, submit a donation form.

To learn more about TTF and The Toy Bank, visit ToyFoundation.org or contact TTF staff.