LivingSocial's Newest Deal: up to $2 Million to Toys for Tots

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The holidays are hectic. Contributing to a worthy cause shouldn't have to be. For the first time ever, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is partnering with a daily deal site to make it easy for people to give.

Starting today LivingSocial Families members in the U.S. can donate $5 to Toys for Tots, a 64-year-old nonprofit dedicated to brightening the holiday season for kids in need. For every LivingSocial member who gives, Toys"R"Us, Hasbro and other corporate partners will match the donation with $5 worth of toys, up to $1 million worth.

"Holiday giving couldn't be any easier this year," said Lt. Gen. Pete Osman, USMC (Ret), president and CEO of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "Working with LivingSocial not only means a more convenient way to donate, but also provides a new way to encourage its millions of members to support Toys for Tots."

"We are proud to help Toys for Tots serve kids in need," said Susan Tynan, General Manager of LivingSocial Families. "Our members can quickly and conveniently donate online or through the LivingSocial app during the holidays – no matter how busy they are."

Giving By the Numbers

Since 1947, Toys for Tots has been delivering hope and holiday cheer to less fortunate children through the gift of a shiny new toy.  What began as a gift of a rag doll has grown to provide toys and gifts to over 7 million children in over 700 U.S. communities nationwide.

This year the need could not be greater.  According to the U.S. Census, there are over 16 million U.S. children living in poverty.  And, with the national unemployment rate still at 9%, more and more families are turning to Toys for Tots help deliver the magic of the holidays to their children.

Donating with Daily Deals

The offer with Toys for Tots marks LivingSocial's second partnership with a national nonprofit, the first being a March 2011 deal to support the American Red Cross' disaster-relief efforts in Japan. The deal resulted in more than $2 million in donations.

The Toys for Tots LivingSocial Families Deal is available at LivingSocial.com/Families.

About LivingSocial

LivingSocial helps people around the world find, share and enjoy great local deals and new experiences. We'll help you get more out of your city. Through its daily deal e-mails and alerts, LivingSocial introduces members to handpicked local businesses, products or services each day at significant savings. With a range of products for different interests, like Families and Adventures, LivingSocial helps delight members with the perfect deal for them. Other services include LivingSocial Escapes, which features easy "vacations in a box" to leading destinations, and LivingSocial Instant, which helps members discover real-time discounts at nearby restaurants, stores and businesses. LivingSocial works with each merchant partner to create customized marketing solutions that attract and retain loyal, long-term customers. Based in Washington, D.C., LivingSocial now has more than 46 million members in 25 countries.

About Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not for profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Now in its 65th year, Toys for Tots provides joy and a message of hope to less fortunate children through the gift of a new toy or book during the Christmas holiday season.  Our gifts offer these children hope, recognition, and a positive memory they will cherish for a lifetime. Many of the books, games, and sports equipment that we provide as gifts make a significant contribution to the educational, social and physical development of these children.   In 2010, Marines distributed toys to more than 7.2 million children who might not have otherwise experienced the magic of the Christmas holiday season.

SOURCE LivingSocial