Toys'R'Us speaks on Autism

Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us this weekend will kick off a nine-week fundraising campaign in 846 U.S. stores to benefit Autism Speaks, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to increasing awareness of autism disorders and funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments. For the first time in the three-year partnership with Autism Speaks that began in 2007, the company's more than 260 Babies"R"Us stores also will participate in the program. From Sunday, March 1 through Friday, May 1, donations will be collected in the company’s stores and online at www.Toysrus.com/AutismSpeaks.

“With so many children affected by autism, our partnership with Autism Speaks is especially meaningful for many of our customers, as well as our employees,” said Jerry Storch, chairman and CEO Toys“R”Us. “We love kids and we're proud to raise money and awareness in our stores to help Autism Speaks provide a voice for those children and families impacted by the disorder.”

The company has also extended its partnership with the National Lekotek Center, an independent organization dedicated to children with disabilities, and Autism Speaks, to develop a special edition of the Toys“R”Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids that identifies “Ten Toys That Speak To Autism.” Items featured promote the development of language, creativity and social skills, and are toys that children with autism spectrum disorders can play with alongside their siblings and friends.  Information about the toys is available in all stores nationwide.

The company has developed a dedicated microsite, www.Toysrus.com/AutismSpeaks, where visitors will find information about the "Ten Toys That Speak To Autism," how to donate to the cause, history of the partnership and other information. Through contribution from the Toys “R” Us Children’s Fund, Toys “R” Us, Inc. and customer donations Autism Speaks has received more than $3.7 million in donations.