Previewing Your Toys in LA? Take Part in Toy Collection Benefitting Local Children in Need

June 25, 2024 | The Toy Foundation’s (TTF) Toy Bank is coordinating an industry-wide toy collection for all companies participating in LA previews this fall. The toy donations will bring the power of play to children in need across the Los Angeles Metro area.

The Toy Bank will collect products at 2250 East Imperial Highway in El Segundo, home of The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview, at the end of September. Local companies with showrooms across LA can also participate in the collection at the end of their fall previews.

Donated toys will directly impact TTF’s local nonprofit partners, like Metro Kidz, which works with children every day to deliver the physical, emotional, and educational benefits of play. Metro Kidz has served the southern Los Angeles area, specifically the city’s most dangerous and challenging neighborhoods, since 1992.

“Play is so important for the children we work with,” said Graciela Toriz, executive director at Metro Kidz in a recent interview with Mattel Children’s Foundation, which was facilitated by TTF. “It takes them out of the challenging situations they are in, it brings the neighborhood kids and their families together when they may have otherwise never met, and it tells them that they are loved and they matter. We’re so grateful to The Toy Foundation and the toy industry for their generous support.”

“It’s an honor to be able to support Metro Kidz’ mission and on-the-ground work with kids day in and day out,” said Brittany Cruickshank, associate manager for Mattel Children’s Foundation at Mattel, Inc., which is a year-round TTF partner. “Thank you for being out there; making the commitment; and delivering joy, fun, and play to children who need it most.”

The Toy Bank will deploy a fleet of trucks in October to pick up product donations from offices and warehouses in the Los Angeles area. LA Fall Preview tenants and local area companies interested in donating product can contact TTF staff for further details.

To learn more about The Toy Foundation and its Party with a Purpose, a critical fundraiser for TTF being held on September 9, visit ToyFoundation.org or contact TTF staff. For more information on The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview or its dedicated market week taking place September 9 to 13, visit ToyAssociation.org.