In Addition to $2.7 Million Collected in Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us Stores and Online, Company Donated More than $2 Million in Toys to Help Fulfill Nationwide Demand
WAYNE, N.J., Jan. 20 // PRNewswire // -- Toys"R"Us, Inc. today announced that its fifth annual in-store and online campaign to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation raised more than $2.7 million and nearly 200,000 toys to help make the holidays brighter for America's neediest children. Recognizing a greater need this year due to economic concerns, Toys"R"Us, Inc. donated additional toys to Toys for Tots to help impoverished children have a happy, memorable holiday season. Toy donations made by Toys"R"Us, Inc. in 2008 amounted to more than $2 million.
"Understanding that this year would be especially difficult for families due to the challenging economic environment, we worked hard to help Toys for Tots meet the increased demand for toys to support families in need," said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "We are proud of the efforts of our customers and employees to bring joy to children in communities across the country this holiday season. Their commitment to this program ensured countless needy children had a gift to open on Christmas morning."
As the largest retail partner in the more than 60-year history of Toys for Tots, Toys"R"Us, Inc. has raised over $16.2 million and 1.4 million toys throughout the five-year partnership between the two organizations. Each year during the holiday season, cash and toy donations are collected in all Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores nationwide and monetary donations are also accepted online at www.Toysrus.com. All toys collected remain in the community where they are donated to benefit local children. In addition to these efforts and to kickoff the campaign, the Toys"R"Us Children's Fund awarded Toys for Tots a $100,000 grant to help units around the country get a head start on their holiday gift-giving needs.
"Throughout the past five years, Toys"R"Us, Inc. has been a valued partner in our goal of bringing joy to the more than 13 million children living in poverty in the United States," said Lt. General Pete Osman, USMC (Ret), President and CEO, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "We are grateful for the company's continued generosity, particularly this year when the number of toy requests multiplied due to economic hardships being faced by many families and organizations."
Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer. Currently it sells merchandise through more than 1,550 stores, including 847 Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores in the U.S., more than 700 international stores in 33 countries, which includes licensed and franchise stores, and through its Internet site at www.Toysrus.com.
Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer.