Uncategorized
Toys”R”Us® Kicks Off Its Annual In-Store And Online Fundraising Campaign Benefitting The Marine Toys For Tots Foundation
Published
10 years agoon
WAYNE, N.J., (FNN NEWS) By Toys R Us — The faint sound of jingle bells approaching can only mean one thing – Toys”R”Us® has officially launched its annual nationwide fundraising campaign to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. As the organization’s largest retail partner, customers can help spread holiday joy to some of the 15.5 million U.S. children living in poverty, and who may not find a present under the Christmas tree this year, by donating new, unwrapped toys at any Toys”R”Us or Babies”R”Us® store across the country and online at Toysrus.com/ToysforTots now through Wednesday, December 7. The company will also collect monetary donations in-store and online through Christmas Eve.
Click to Tweet: Help @Shaq spread that #GivingIsAwesome feeling. Donate to @ToysforTots_USA at @Toysrus now! www.Toysrus.com/ToysforTots
This holiday season and beyond, Toys”R”Us is encouraging customers to share their own #GivingIsAwesome moments – whether through donating to Toys for Tots or a heartwarming way they give back in their own communities – on social media using the dedicated hashtag, which serves as the company’s overarching theme for all of its charitable giving programs. Helping spread that #GivingIsAwesome feeling, Toys”R”Us rang in the holiday giving season this September with a massive donation to the charity – more than $1 million of the hottest Shopkins toys. The company will also donate $1 (up to $100,000) to Toys for Tots for every new Wish List created between Thursday, October 27 and Saturday, November 19.
“It is heartbreaking to know that millions of children may wake up on Christmas morning only to find an absence of gifts beneath the tree. At Toys”R”Us, we are committed to preserving the joy of the holidays – and to a child, the gift of play is simply magical,” said Amy von Walter, Chairman, Toys”R”Us Children’s Fund. “This is why our partnership with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has been the cornerstone of our holiday giving for more than a decade. With the help of Shaq-A-Claus, our team members and customers, we are doing all we can to ensure more kids in need experience that quintessential moment of childhood joy this holiday season.”
Shaq-A-Claus will soon dash through the snow to make Christmas wishes come true. NBA Legend, philanthropist and entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal is re-enlisting as his holly jolly alter-ego to encourage shoppers to donate to the charity. Also making a comeback isThe Great Big Shaq-A-Claus Wish List – items purchased from this list will be sent directly to Toys for Tots, helping deliver the magic of a toy to kids in need across the country.
“One act of kindness can be an inspiration to a kid – it was for me when I received the gift of a basketball on Christmas morning,” said Shaquille O’Neal. “That’s why I’m once again suiting up as Shaq-A-Claus and calling on my little elves across the country to help me and Toys”R”Us deliver the awesome magic of a toy to kids in need this Christmas by donating to Toys for Tots.”
As the largest retail partner in the history of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Toys”R”Us has raised nearly $50 million and collected more than 4 million toys since the partnership began in 2004. The Shaq-A-Claus program is also supported by the Toys”R”Us Children’s Fund.
“For 13 years, Toys”R”Us has been essential to helping Toys for Tots deliver holiday happiness to the millions of U.S. children living in poverty,” said Lt. Gen Pete Osman, USMC (Ret), President and CEO, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “With their generous spirit and dedication to giving, we are confident that millions of children that might have gone without will find a present under the Christmas tree this year.”
You may like
Florida
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Jim Jordan, Randy Fine Endorse Joe Strada for Congress
Published
1 week agoon
July 24, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Republican congressional candidate Joe Strada announced endorsements Thursday from House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and U.S. Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and Randy Fine of Florida, adding support from prominent conservative leaders to his campaign for Florida’s 11th Congressional District.
Strada, founder of Strada Services, said the endorsements reflect confidence in his business experience and commitment to advancing conservative priorities in Congress.
Conservative Leaders Rally Behind Strada
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise praised Strada’s private-sector leadership and pledged his support for the campaign.
“Joe Strada is a strong conservative Republican who will stand with President Trump to help us deliver on the America First agenda for hardworking families in Central Florida and across the country,” Scalise said. “Joe Strada has my full endorsement because, as a businessman, Joe knows firsthand what it takes to solve problems, create jobs and empower those who are willing to work for their piece of the American Dream.”
U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan highlighted Strada’s workforce development efforts and business record.
“Joe Strada has built the American Dream for countless families in Florida and across this great nation,” Jordan said. “He’s tackled the skilled worker shortage by building his own training program and graduating students directly into the workforce. Now, more than ever, we need leaders like Joe Strada in Congress because he is a problem solver who will stand up for our shared conservative values and with President Trump.”
Florida Congressman Randy Fine also endorsed Strada, citing their shared business backgrounds and longtime friendship.
“Joe Strada doesn’t just talk about the American Dream—he’s helped thousands of Floridians live it,” Fine said. “While Washington created problems, Joe built solutions by creating his own workforce training program and putting graduates directly into good-paying jobs across Central Florida. President Trump needs fighters who know how to get things done, and I want Joe standing with President Trump and me in Congress.”
Business Background
Strada is the founder of Strada Services, which the campaign describes as the nation’s largest privately held, family-owned provider of air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and security services. His campaign has emphasized his experience as a self-made businessman and employer, arguing that his private-sector leadership prepares him to address workforce and economic challenges in Congress.
Campaign Message
According to the campaign, Strada is running on a conservative platform focused on supporting President Donald Trump’s America First agenda, strengthening workforce development, expanding job opportunities, and promoting pro-business policies.
The endorsements from Scalise, Jordan, and Fine are expected to bolster Strada’s campaign by highlighting support from influential Republican leaders with strong ties to the House Republican Conference and the conservative movement.
Looking Ahead
Florida’s 11th Congressional District is expected to draw significant attention during the 2026 election cycle. As the campaign progresses, endorsements from national and state Republican leaders are likely to remain an important part of candidates’ efforts to build support among primary voters.
Florida
Byron Donalds Courts Latino Voters in Kissimmee as Florida Governor Campaign Expands
Published
2 months agoon
June 8, 2026By
Willie DavidKISSIMMEE, Fla. — U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds continued his campaign for governor by engaging Latino voters during a stop on his “Defending the Florida Dream” tour in Kissimmee, where he shared his vision for Florida’s future and discussed key issues impacting Hispanic communities.
Florida National News was on hand to capture the event as Donalds met with supporters and community leaders while emphasizing economic opportunity, education, public safety, and preserving what he described as the “Florida Dream.”
Latinos for Byron Coalition Launch
The Kissimmee event follows Donalds’ May 2026 launch of the Latinos for Byron Coalition, a statewide effort designed to strengthen support among Hispanic voters ahead of Florida’s Republican gubernatorial primary.
The Trump-endorsed congressman announced the coalition during a rally at Hialeah Park in Miami-Dade County, drawing approximately 300 supporters. Many attendees waved American and Cuban flags as Donalds outlined his vision for Florida and highlighted the growing influence of Latino voters in state politics.
Republican Leaders Show Support
Joining Donalds at the Hialeah event were several Republican elected officials, including Hialeah Mayor Bryan Calvo, the city’s youngest mayor and a lifelong resident. State leaders in attendance included Sen. Bryan Avila and Reps. Juan Porras, David Borrero, and Alex Rizo.
Donalds said Hispanic communities play a vital role in Florida’s economy, culture, and future, and he pledged to continue policies focused on economic growth, educational excellence, and public safety.
Building a Statewide Coalition
The Defending the Florida Dream tour is expected to continue across Florida as Donalds works to build a broad coalition of supporters ahead of the 2026 election cycle. His campaign has placed a particular emphasis on engaging Hispanic voters, who represent one of the fastest-growing and most influential voting blocs in the state.
As the gubernatorial race develops, Latino outreach efforts are expected to play a significant role in shaping the Republican primary and the general election.
Florida National News will continue to follow the Defending the Florida Dream tour and provide updates from campaign stops across the state.
North Florida News
Gov. Ron DeSantis Names Alex Peraza to Miami-Dade Judicial Nominating Commission
Published
5 months agoon
March 13, 2026By
Willie DavidTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Ron DeSantis announced Friday the appointment of Alex Peraza to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, which serves Miami-Dade County.
Peraza, of Coral Gables, is a partner at Diamond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A., a law firm based in South Florida.
The Judicial Nominating Commission is responsible for reviewing and recommending qualified candidates for judicial appointments within the circuit.
Peraza earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and his juris doctor from the University of Florida. His appointment term will run through July 1, 2027.
Trending
Central Florida News3 days agoOrange County Fire Chief Anthony Rios Resigns Following Budget Meeting; Mayor Demings Briefs County Commissioners
Central Florida News3 days agoDr. Phillips Center Generates $227.6 Million Annual Economic Impact, Supports Nearly 2,500 Central Florida Jobs
Florida1 day agoVenezuelan Candidate Samuel Vilchez Santiago Leads Florida House Race with Nearly $200,000 Raised as Cross-Party Endorsement Scandal Continues
Central Florida News3 days agoTampa Bay Buccaneers Announce Training Camp Roster Moves Ahead of 53-Man Cutdown
Central Florida News3 days agoOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings Says Surgery Was Successful, Thanks Community for Support