Reflection on Holiday Gift Campaign

How youth made a difference this holiday season!

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We've partnered again! Check out Be a Joy Maker 2012

Through serving their communities, 113,631 kids and teens have put toys in the hands of just as many children in need.

Thank you, Hasbro, for empowering youth to spread joy by matching their service pledges with your donation of toys to Toys for Tots. These moments of service not only improve communities; they change the lives of the young people involved. For many, this act of service will start them on a life-long path of volunteering. For children in need, these toys mean more than play-time. The toys bring hope, joy, and the knowledge that their communities care.

World-Wide Joy

Service projects happened in 48 US states and on 6 continents. (Too cold in Antarctica!)

Pledges came from individuals, friends, families, schools, and nonprofits. Projects dealt with a vast array of issues, from childhood hunger to world peace.

A Word From Our Pledgers:

Youth could choose from our nine suggested projects or pledge to “Do Your Own Thing.” Here are a few of the awesome things young people pledged.

From a class in Michigan: Instead of giving gifts to fellow students and teachers this year, we are pooling our money to buy presents and school supplies for children at the Interfaith Shelter.

From a generationOn Kids Care Club in New Hampshire: We will be making holiday cards and placemats for Meals on Wheels seniors, we will also be filling stockings for the Salvation Army, and making baby gifts for new moms in our local community.

From a Girl Scout Troop in the Czech Republic: We will go caroling and collect food for a food bank.

From a group of friends in Kentucky: We will raise money for the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association by collecting and recycling used electronics through a company that gives a return on recyclable products.

From a HandsOn Action Center in Orlando: We will mobilize volunteers to help their community to prepare and serve a Christmas meal to homeless men and veterans in a recovery program, located in downtown Orlando.

From a teen in Illinois: I will volunteer at an animal shelter.

From Wheels to Africa, a nonprofit organization: We worked with local youth to organize a bike collection. We collected more than 700 bikes and engaged more than 250 volunteers.