It’s good to help a Toys ‘R’ Us kid

When it comes to philanthropy for Toys “R” Us, it’s all about the kids. The Toys “R” Us Fund is the company’s independent charitable organization that raises money to benefit several signature partnerships with non-profit organizations that help children in need. The Fund works with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Autism Speaks, the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation, Kids in Distressed Situations and Children Affected by AIDS Foundation. Since the foundation was started in 1992, it has donated millions of dollars to each of these organizations.

“Kids are in our DNA, and helping them when they need us most has always been an important part of our corporate responsibility and heritage,” said Sloane Lucas, corporate philanthropy manager for Toys “R” Us.

Toys “R” Us is the largest partner in the 60-year history of the Marines for Toys for Tots Foundation. During the holiday season the company collects toys for needy children in every Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us store in the country. Last holiday season, Toys “R” Us raised $3.5 million and collected 580,000 toys.

“One of the best things about our partnership with Toys for Tots is that all the toys donated…are given to needy children in local communities,” Lucas said.

In February, Toys “R” Us and the Children’s Fund began their partnership with Autism Speaks to help fund autism research and advocacy efforts. The Children’s Fund kicked off the partnership with a $250,000 grant to the organization, and now, Toys “R” Us serves as the national sponsor of the Walk Now for Autism program, a series of more than 60 fundraising events across the country. And, in conjunction with Autism Awareness Month, all Toys “R” Us stores nationwide conducted an in-store fundraising and awareness campaign to support the foundation, raising $1.1 million. As a part of that campaign, Toys “R” Us created the “Ten Toys that Speak to Autism,” a gift list featuring toys that aid an autistic child’s development.

Since 1994, Toys “R” Us also has released a toy guide for “differently-abled kids,” which it describes as “an easy-to-use selection guide for parents and friends of children with disabilities.” The complimentary guide, developed each season with the National Lekotek Center, is available at www.toysrus.com.

Toys “R” Us has also worked with the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation for more than a decade, supporting the CAAF’s signature fundraising program, Dream Halloween. The Children’s Fund helped found the inaugural event in Los Angeles and has since supported events in New York and Chicago. In all, the Children’s Fund has awarded CAAF more than $1.6 million in grants over the years.

Toys “R” Us and its Children’s Fund also ensure that the company’s philanthropic efforts extend beyond fundraising events. Associates at the store level and corporate level get involved, too.

“We regularly see associates volunteer their time to support our national partnerships,” Lucas said. “Our headquarters…rallied more than 200 people to attend the northern New Jersey walk, raising more than $24,000 for Autism Speaks.”