The association is calling on the industry to mark 11 June to benefit charities that bring play to children in need
The US Toy Foundation is calling on toy companies to come together for this year’s International Day of Play (IDOP) to help ensure every child has access to toys and play.
Following the United Nations’ 2024 designation of 11 June as the International Day of Play, recognizing play as a fundamental right for every child, the association launched an annual, industry-wide initiative that has already impacted more than 200,000 children worldwide.
Pamela Mastrota, Executive Director of The Toy Foundation, said: “Play is essential to every child’s life to create joy, spark imagination, and support their emotional well-being, yet millions of children still lack access to quality play opportunities. Together, the industry can deliver the power of play to children who need it most – at a scale no single company can achieve alone.”
The association recommends donating product to worthy causes. In the US, its Toy Chest helps distribute playthings to children in need.
Other ways to mark the day include launching an employee giving campaign, inviting teams to donate funds, toys or time to worthy causes that benefit children. Retail campaigns can also be powerful ways to mark the occasion. Whether through a buy-one-give-one model or point-of-sale donations, these programmes turn everyday purchases into acts of generosity.
