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Toys for Tots Experiencing a Dramatic Increase in Toy Requests
New text-to-give program makes donating a toy easier than ever
by texting TOY to 90999
Quantico, Virginia, November 24, 2008
- Another dismal sign of how the economy is affecting American families is the dramatic increase of request for toys from the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. As more families struggle to just pay their bills, they are turning to Toys for Tots to help them deliver the magic of the holidays to their children. At the same time, Toys for Tots is bracing themselves for a decline in toy donations as fewer families have the extra resources to purchase toys for the Toys for Tots barrels.
In response to this urgent need, Toys for Tots has launched a simple and affordable way to help the organization respond. By simply texting the word TOY to 90999, anyone can make a $5 donation to Toys for Tots. These donations will be used to purchase and distribute toys to the growing number of economically disadvantaged children across the country.
"With so many deserving families in need of our assistance this year, we want to make it easy and affordable for the American public to help us deliver toys to children," says Lt. General Pete Osman, USMC (Ret), president and chief executive officer for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "If everyone would take out their phone and text the word TOY to 90999, we could achieve our goal of delivering a toy to every one of the 13 million U.S. children living in poverty."
To make the most of every dollar donated, Hasbro, Inc. announces today that it will donate one toy or game for every text donation completed now through December 21, 2008, providing up to 150,000 Hasbro toys and games.
"Through the gift of a shiny new toy, Toys for Tots delivers hope and joy to millions of children," says Brian Goldner, president and chief executive officer for Hasbro, Inc. "We want to help make sure every family who turns to Toys for Tots for assistance this year, will have the opportunity to put a smile on the face of a deserving child."
For each text donation, a one-time charge of $5 will be added to your mobile phone bill. Standard messaging rates and additional fees may apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service carrier. Proceeds benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Service is available on most carriers. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting 'STOP' to 90999. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org/textatoy.
About the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not for profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Now in its 61st year, Toys for Tots provides joy and a message of hope to economically disadvantaged children through the gift of a new toy during the Christmas holiday season. Our gifts offer these children hope, recognition and a positive memory they will cherish for a lifetime. Many of the gifts we provide, such as books, games and sports equipment, make a significant contribution to the educational, social and recreational development of these children. In 2007, Marines distributed gifts to 7.5 million children in over 600 communities nationwide. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation relies on individual donations from the American public as well as support from corporate sponsors, to include its Four Star Partners Hasbro, Inc; JAKKS Pacific, Inc; Scholastic and Toys "R" Us, Inc. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.
About Hasbro
Hasbro (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.
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