Toys for Tots and �Toy Story 3� Toy Drive Triumph

(June 25, 2010) Toys for Tots, in collaboration with the blockbuster release of “Toy Story 3,” kick-started an unprecedented summer toy drive throughout the month of June. From Honolulu to Houston and beyond, the public was asked to honor their cherished memories of childhood play by donating a new unwrapped toy during a “Toy Story 3” promotional event. The response was heartfelt and immediate. The campaign has raised thousands of gifts for children in 26 cities throughout the United States.

“It has been a blessing to work with Disney•Pixar’s ‘Toy Story 3’ on this special summer event,” said Bill Grein, vice president, marketing and development for the Marines Toys for Tots Foundation. “The toys donated during this unique campaign will go towards fulfilling the dreams of millions of children this coming holiday season. Additionally, we are pleased to report that the gifts raised in each of the 26 cities will be distributed to less fortunate children in those same communities. Anyone who donates a toy is really donating a holiday smile to a child in their own hometown.”

• Participating cities include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, St. Louis and Washington, DC.
• The campaign continues throughout the month of June and beyond! Look for the official Toys for Tots “Toy Story 3” donation boxes displayed at special events and in participating theatres near you.
• “Toy Story 3” opened in theatres nationwide on June 18, 2010. The film is the highest grossing June weekend opening in industry history and is the first $100 million box office opening for Disney•Pixar.

For details regarding additional Toys for Tots “Toy Story 3” events and donation stations, please log on to www.toysfortots.org.

ABOUT THE MARINES TOYS FOR TOTS PROGRAM:

Toys for Tots, a 63-year-old national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during each Christmas holiday season. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer those children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Last year the Marine Corps fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 7.4 million less fortunate children. Toys for Tots relies on individual donations as well as support from local businesses and national corporations. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.

-- Posted June 28, 2010