Toy Industry Foundation Launches "Make a Stand for Kids"

NEW YORK, June 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) announced today the launch of a new program that provides a fun and engaging way for kids, communities and companies to make a stand – a lemonade stand, that will help give the gift of play to disadvantaged children around the country.  "Make a Stand for Kids" is a new charity-based initiative that encourages young entrepreneurs to set up and run their own lemonade stand in support of the Toy Industry Foundation to distribute toys and make play possible for children in crisis or other stressful situations. 

"There are millions of children around the country who don't get the opportunity to play," said Jean Butler, executive director of TIF. "Our 'Make a Stand for Kids' program empowers kids to help other kids by setting up their own lemonade stand.  While running their own business children can also learn about the importance of charitable giving, giving back to others and helping those less fortunate."  

To help kids and their parents get started, TIF has created www.MakeaStandForKids.org where they can get tips and ideas for setting up their stand and download and print graphics and signage so that everyone knows the children are doing their part to help support a good cause.  Sample recipes can also be found to help provide kids with ideas for food and other beverages to sell beyond lemonade, including Orange & Apricot Punch from Kerry Vincent, Food Network Challenge judge.

There is no official registration process. Parents are requested however to read the online Fundraising Guidelines and give their consent before their kids get started. As an additional safety measure, parents and kids should follow these Safety Tips when running a lemonade stand:

• Always wash your hands with hot soapy water before preparing food.
• If your hair is long, tie it back or wear a cap.
• Wear a clean apron to protect your clothing from spills.
• Have an adult help you slice the lemons, using a sharp knife and a clean cutting board.
• Use paper or plastic pitchers and cups instead of glass.
• Cover the lemonade and ice cubes between servings to keep bugs and dirt out.
• Use a ladle or tongs to serve ice.
• Provide a covered trash container to dispose of used cups and keep your area clutter-free.
• Never operate your lemonade stand alone. Have your friends and older brothers and sisters' help. Ask your parents or another adult to supervise your sale.
• Set your stand up in your front yard or in an area where there are lots of people.
• Never approach anyone in a car to make a sale.

www.MakeaStandForKids.org will also offer links to the Toy Industry Association's social media channels where children can post photos of their stands, share stories, recipes and more.

"There is a year-round need for giving and this campaign will provide a fun and enlightening activity throughout the summer months," added Ms. Butler. "Proceeds from 'Make a Stand for Kids' will help get new toys, games and grant monies into the hands of worthy children's charities."

ABOUT TOY INDUSTRY FOUNDATION
The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) brings joy, comfort and learning to children in need by donating toys and grant funding to worthy children's charities. The toy industry's own foundation, TIF is generously supported by toy companies who donate new toys and by companies and individuals who provide monetary donations.  Toys are distributed to national partners serving military families and foster children, as well as to local charities serving underserved, at-risk and homeless children throughout the U.S. and around the world. www.ToyIndustryFoundation.org

SOURCE The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF)