Toys For Tots Campaign at Toys 'R' Us Reaches $5 Million in Donations With One Month to Go, There's Still Time to Give WAYNE, N.J., Dec. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- In the past six weeks, the Toys "R" Us Children's Fund, Inc. has raised $5.0 million for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation through in-store and online donations, plus an additional $1.0 million in toys and other corporate donations. With this donation, Toys for Tots is hopeful to exceed the number of donations raised last year and reach the largest number of children in need since its founding in 1947. With just one month remaining in the campaign, Toys "R" Us hopes to raise an additional $1 million through in-store donations. Customers may make a cash donation at any Toys "R" Us location or online at http://www.toysrus.com/. Donations as small as one dollar are accepted, making it easier than ever for anyone to participate. These donations will be used by Toys for Tots to purchase brand-new toys for millions of children, many of whom might not otherwise receive a gift during the holiday season. "Toys "R" Us stores will continue to receive donations for the Toys for Tots program through January 7, 2005," said Susan McLaughlin, director of Corporate Philanthropy for Toys "R" Us, Inc. "We believe bringing joy to children is most important. The entire Toys "R" Us family -- including our associates and customers -- is committed to making this year's campaign the most successful yet." As more monies are raised, more children are assisted by the program. Last year, Toys for Tots distributed more than 15 million new toys to 6.5 million needy youngsters. The organization estimates that it reaches approximately 43 percent of the nearly 15 million children who live in poverty in the United States. During the holiday season, local Toys for Tots coordinators, with the assistance of local agencies and organizations, distribute toys to needy children in hundreds of communities throughout the U.S. About The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots Program The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, an IRS recognized 501 (c) (3) not- for-profit public charity is the authorized fund raising and support organization for the Toys for Tots Program. The Foundation provides the funding and support needed for successful annual toy collection and distribution campaigns. The foundation is located at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia. Local reserve units and volunteer organizations collect and distribute toys in nearly 500 communities covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. About Toys "R" Us Toys "R" Us is one of the leading specialty toy retailers in the world. Currently it sells merchandise through more than 1,200 stores, including 685 toy stores in the U.S. and 598 international toy stores, including licensed and franchise stores as well as through its Internet sites at http://www.toysrus.com/ , http://www.imaginarium.com/ and http://www.sportsrus.com/ . Babies "R" Us is the largest baby product specialty store chain in the world and a leader in the juvenile industry, and sells merchandise through 211 stores in the U.S. as well as on the Internet at http://www.babiesrus.com/ . About The Toys "R" Us Children's Fund, Inc. Since it was founded in 1992, the Toys "R" Us Children's Fund, Inc., a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) company, has contributed millions of dollars each year to children's programs and organizations that support the health and welfare of children. Funds raised through The Toys "R" Us Children's Fund are used to support The Kids' Playroom Program, early childhood reading programs and numerous other children's causes. Support for the Toys "R" Us/Toys for Tots partnership comes from Toys "R" Us corporate resources and The Toys "R" Us Children's Fund, Inc More information about Toys "R" Us, Inc., The Toys "R" Us Children's Fund, Inc., and the Toys For Tots partnership, including an update on funds raised to date, can be found at http://www.toysrusinc.com/ . Information about Toys for Tots is available at http://www.toysfortots.org/ . DATASOURCE: Toys "R" Us CONTACT: Susan McLaughlin, Director of Corporate Communications & Corporate Philanthropy, Corporate Headquarters, +1-973-617-5900, (Fax) +1-973-617-4036, , or Kathleen Waugh, Director of Public Relations and Special Events, Times Square Office, +1-646-366-8823, (Fax) +1-646-366-8803, , both of Toys "R" Us; or Lindsay Fowlston of Edelman, +1-212-704-8153, (Fax) +1-212-704-0119, Web site: http://www.toysrus.com/ http://www.toysfortots.org/ http://www.babiesrus.com/ http://www.imaginarium.com/

Copyright