Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund Provides $100,000 Grant to Kick Off Program; $1 from the Purchase of Each Bag Will Help Keep Kids Safe in the Wake of a Disaster
WAYNE, NJ (May 20, 2014) – Toys“R”Us® has introduced an exclusive 100% recyclable, reusable tote bag featuring a young child’s artwork in its stores nationwide, from which a portion of proceeds will benefit Save the Children®, a global humanitarian organization that ensures the urgent needs of children are met in a crisis situation. Whether families are preparing their disaster emergency kit or looking for a keepsake alternative for gifting, these tote bags can serve as the perfect go-to carryall. One dollar from the purchase of each bag will be donated directly to Save the Children’s Domestic Emergency Fund, which serves to provide a safe environment for children and families when disasters strike. In conjunction with the reusable bag program, the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund has provided a $100,000 grant to the Domestic Emergency Fund to further strengthen Save the Children’s disaster preparedness programs and relief efforts in the United States, reinforcing the company’s commitment to children and families during times of crisis.
“Save the Children continues to serve as the company’s primary disaster response partner due to its strong focus on the unique physical and emotional needs of children in times of crisis. Through this collaboration, Toys“R”Us has helped victims of numerous devastating events in the U.S. and around the world,” said Kathleen Waugh, Chairman of the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund. “With the beginning of hurricane season fast approaching, this reusable bag program provides customers with an easy way to support Save the Children’s efforts to be emergency ready and to help keep kids safe when disasters strike.”
“We are excited to expand our partnership with Toys“R”Us, engaging the millions of families who shop its stores to help us make a significant impact in children’s lives,” said Kathy Spangler, Vice President of U.S. Programs, Save the Children. “Together, Save the Children and Toys“R”Us have a shared mission of prioritizing the interests of children, when they need hope, comfort and safety most.”
Dedicated Safety Site Provides Tips to Ready Families for an Emergency
Being prepared before disasters strike can make all the difference in the safety and welfare of families. To help, Toys“R”Us and Save the Children have compiled disaster planning tips and checklists on the company’s dedicated safety site, Toysrusinc.com/Safety, where families can learn more about fundamental supplies for at-home and to-go emergency kits, determining a safe location if loved ones are separated and how to develop a communication strategy. In addition, the company’s “Safety Experts Say” blog will feature commentary from Jeanne-Aimee De Marrais, Senior Director of U.S. Emergencies, Save the Children, sharing her personal experience in disaster-affected areas and offering information about how Save the Children’s Domestic Emergency Fund directly affects families in shelters and community recovery sites.
Online Registry Provides Essential Supplies in Times of Crisis
Customers can also visit Toysrus.com/SavetheChildren to view an official registry of products that can be purchased and sent directly to Save the Children to be used for kids during times of crisis. Items such as toys and games are distributed in “Child Friendly Spaces” within shelters and recovery centers to provide a sense of normalcy, in addition to basic supplies, such as diapers, wipes, clothing and hygiene items. By purchasing from this registry, contributors can help Save the Children support the smallest victims in the wake of devastating events.
For more than a decade, Toys“R”Us and the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund have provided nearly $4.3 million to help Save the Children’s immediate relief and response efforts, as well as ensure the safety and emotional support of children in shelters and community recovery sites. In 2010, Toys“R”Us received the Corporate Recognition for Humanitarian Assistance honor for its disaster response work with Save the Children from InterAction, a coalition of U.S.-based international nongovernmental organization focused on the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people.
To View Images of the Toys“R”Us Reusable Tote Bag Benefitting Save the Children, Click Here.
Charitable Giving at Toys“R”Us
The philanthropic mission of Toys“R”Us, Inc. and the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund is to keep children safe and help them in times of need. The Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund contributes millions of dollars annually to various children’s organizations, including those providing disaster relief to victims of large-scale crises, as well as those supporting America’s military families. The Fund also provides grants to leading special needs organizations and has donated $1 million as the first Founding Partner of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games. In addition to financial and product donations, Toys“R”Us, Inc. hosts in-store and online fundraising campaigns annually that raise millions of dollars for the company’s signature philanthropic partners.
About Save the Children
Save the Children invests in childhood – every day, in times of crisis and for our future. In the United States and around the world, we are dedicated to ensuring every child has the best chance for success. Our pioneering programs give children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. Our advocacy efforts provide a voice for children who cannot speak for themselves. As the leading expert on children, we inspire and achieve lasting impact for millions of the world’s most vulnerable girls and boys. By transforming children’s lives now, we change the course of their future and ours.
