The Toy Foundation™ has achieved a remarkable milestone, raising over $1 million to bring the transformative power of play to children in need worldwide. This achievement was made possible through the 2026 Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards, a pivotal event in the toy industry. The TOTY Awards, held on February 13, 2026, at Pier Sixty in New York City, brought together nearly 800 toy and play professionals. Their participation, through ticket sales, awards activities, raffles, auctions, and financial donations, contributed significantly to this impressive fundraising effort. The Toy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) children's charity and the philanthropic arm of The Toy Association™, is dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of children. It is the only industry-wide initiative that unites toy and entertainment companies to give back with measurable, collective impact. The TOTY Awards, with seven presenting sponsors, including Amazon, Hasbro, and Mattel, showcased the industry's commitment to this noble cause. These sponsors, along with other vision sponsors, emphasized the importance of play in children's lives, especially during challenging times, and encouraged the industry to engage philanthropically. Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation, expressed deep gratitude for the support, stating that the funds raised will directly translate into comfort, healing, and joyful moments for children in need. The Toy Foundation's efforts are channeled through two key programs: Toy Chest and Play Fund. Toy Chest collects and distributes toy donations from the industry to children worldwide, while Play Fund supports play projects at children's hospitals and in disaster zones internationally. To date, The Toy Foundation has delivered play to over 38 million children, providing immeasurable comfort and joy. The TOTY Awards also marked the kickoff to the 120th annual Toy Fair, the largest toy show in the Western Hemisphere. During the fair, over 100 companies donated toys, games, and other playthings to The Toy Foundation, which will directly impact nearly 27,000 children. This collection was coordinated in partnership with World Vision, ensuring that the donations reach qualified nonprofit organizations, schools, and children's hospitals. Mastrota highlighted the industry's extraordinary generosity and the powerful difference it can make when everyone acts together. The Toy Foundation partners with companies of all types and sizes year-round to collect toy donations, coordinate corporate partnerships, activate cause marketing campaigns, and host employee engagement opportunities. They invite interested parties to contact their team to learn more and get involved in advancing the industry's collective impact for children in need. Follow The Toy Foundation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and to learn more about the toy industry's impact on delivering play to children in need.
