Toy Foundation Deploys Toys in Response to Hurricane Helene

October 1, 2024 | Millions of homes and communities across the southeast U.S. and southern Appalachia were destroyed by Hurricane Helene. To support children and families affected, The Toy Foundation’s (TTF) Toy Bank has deployed semi-trucks loaded with the toy industry’s product donations and critical relief supplies, provided by the program’s logistics partner, to accessible areas of greatest need.

TTF is able to provide aid to children and families affected by natural disasters — from the comfort of stuffed animals to action figures, games, preschool toys, and more — by having toys in storage that are ready to ship. The industry’s ongoing donations allow The Toy Bank to keep its warehouses appropriately stocked to respond to emergencies within hours. To help refill our warehouses so we can continue to deploy toys in response to emergency situations, consider contributing a product donation.

“The recovery from Hurricane Helene will be long and the industry’s support is needed,” said Pam Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. “Whether you’re able to donate 50, 500 or 5,000 toys, we are grateful for every donation and will make sure your product is placed in the hands of a child in need.”

TTF works with an international logistics partner to distribute toy donations year-round and create the greatest impact possible. In emergency situations like a hurricane, this partnership allows the industry’s toy donations to be distributed with recovery supplies, including water, cleaning supplies, hygiene kits, generators, and more, that are donated by other companies.

To support The Toy Bank’s emergency relief efforts financially, individual and corporate donations can be made online here.

TTF will continue to monitor the current situation and keep in contact with its logistics partner to provide toys and relief supplies to children and families affected.

The Toy Bank is the industry’s turnkey inventory management solution to deliver toys, the developmental benefits of play, and immense joy to children in need. The Toy Bank has delivered play to more than 33 million children worldwide since 2003.

To learn more about TTF and its programs, visit ToyFoundation.org or contact TTF staff.