Toys for Tots

There aren't enough toys being dropped off at Toys for Tots locations to ensure that all children will have a toy--one toy--on Christmas. The news overflows with stories about the uptick in spending this holiday season. We sure hope that this means that toy collection charities will have overflowing donation bins by the weekend; somehow, we're not that optimistic. In some areas, the request for toys is up a whopping 25%.

Of course, we support IKEA's Soft Toy Aid but there is a call, as always, for toys for the older children (13-17 years). If you would like to donate cash, that is a good option, especially by tonight/tomorrow. Toys for Tots can then purchase what they need to fill the gift gap.

ciao-meow/GGCM

(photograph from Miracle on 34th Street)

Adopt a Circus, Put on a Show

People, it is wild here lately. Giulia is up to all sorts of nonsense; this is a huge relief because she's been ill for a week. Signs of feeling better? She's eating breakfast + dinner + snacks + getting into trouble.

So from our circus to yours: please remember IKEA's Soft Toy Aid Campaign to benefit Save the Children & UNICEF. Many of you will not be near an IKEA this holiday season but the website has finally put a few of the soft toys available for purchase online, here.

ciao-frenzied-meow/GGCM

(photograph via IKEA)

'Twas the Saturday Before Christmas

...& you're going to IKEA. (Yes, you are. Admit it.) Why don't you pick up at least one soft toy & help UNICEF & Save the Children? Please remember the Soft Toy Aid campaign. The need is great, the prices on the IKEA soft toys is very low. (Their cuteness is indisputable, just like Giulia's.) As we've suggested before, even if you don't need any little-person toys this year, Toys for Tots (& gift collection campaigns in other countries) is in great need. (image via IKEA.com)

ciao-meow/GGCM

Toys for Tots

Please remember the Marine Toys for Tots Campaign when you are shopping or making your gifts this year. Click here to find a toy drop-off near you. You can also donate online, here. If you know someone in need of toys, please see here.

Isn't this the cutest poster? It's the original design. We're feeling retro this evening.

ciao-meow/GGCM

IKEA Launches Annual Soft Toy Campaign - 2010

Ta da! Oh. We're five days late...eep. If you're planning a trip to IKEA, pick up a soft toy. If you don't need one, donate it to Toys for Tots or another toy-collection campaign. This year, from November 1–December 24, for every soft toy sold, 1 euro (USD $1.35) will go to IKEA global partners UNICEF and Save the Children to extend and start new children's educational programs in 22 countries. The 2010 campaign goal is to raise over $13 million dollars globally, with $1 million being raised in the U.S.

You can count on us to remind you every so often & about the specials upcoming in December, as well. But if you happen to be going to IKEA tomorrow (or today, if you're up too late in Europe--go to bed!), any purchase, however tiny, goes to the campaign. Don't forget about Darfur Peace & Development baskets (either seconds or firsts) & Made4Aid's Etsy shop. (image of Klapper animal set & Klapper elephant mama & baby via IKEA US website)

ciao-wow-meow/GGCM

A Christmas Cat for GG - Week's End

Friday Update: Snow storm on its merry way & we're busy getting ready. So this is week's end for sake of balance. We shall return over the weekend. Cheers! (You can still help out Toys for Tots online--no excuses!) The Management

Actually, this was for GG. But. Toys for Tots donations are far below expectations; the situation is quite desperate. The IKEA kitty is going to the big toy box near GG Central. Please, please, please: donate to Toys for Tots if you are in the States. The IKEA 2009 Soft Toy Campaign runs through 24 December. Prices are low, cuteness level is high; donations go to UNICEF & Save the Children. [image via ikea.com]

ciao-meow/GG's editor

Toys for Tots

Please remember the Toys for Tots campaign. The website states that items for children between 0-2 yrs & 15-17 yrs are very much needed. Please visit the site for your local campaign news, drop-offs, & any questions you might have. Suggestions for 0-2 year olds: IKEA soft toys. You'll be doing double-duty. We'll be back with ideas for the older children by the week-end.

ciao-meow/GG Central

Adopt a Lion - Week's End

Adopt a cute lion at IKEA & help UNICEF & Save the Children. There's a new Facebook Fan page for the IKEA Soft Toys Aid 2009 campaign. Or you can read about the Adopt an African Lion program at the National Zoo. Either way (or both), you will be helping out worthy causes. And have fun. What more do you want, really? (You are so difficult to please, some of you cranky pusses!)

Please remember Toys for Tots, too. Here is the video of First Lady Michelle Obama's remarks at the White House for the beginning of the holiday season. She announces the participation of the White House staff in this year's campaign. It's all good.

a ciao-snowy-meow from Washington, DC

[image via IKEA.com]

1 Dollar is a fortune

IKEA's 2009 Soft Toy Aid tag line.* It matters not if you purchase a teensy rat (eek!) or something larger. IKEA donates the equivalent per soft toy purchased to UNICEF & Save the Children. A double-dip thought: adopt one more toy than you need & donate to Toys for Tots. (*£1 in the UK, €1 elsewhere)

ciao-early-merry-meow/the Management

[GG Central collage from IKEA images]

Christmas Tree Love, Part 1

Still no tree...we're past nervous & now officially upset. A flickr Friday photo via Design Is Mine. Very pretty & varied, some good ideas. Hmmm.

Please remember IKEA's soft animal campaign. Toys for Tots is desperate at this point: please, please, please take them a toy or make a donation. Here's their website. We feel guilty moaning over the tree when little kids are asking for food or mortgage help for their families in their letters to Santa. Postal workers reading the 4,000 letters a day are in tears. The situation is desperate, it really is...

ciao-merry-meow

1. 30 Days of Christmas...Frosty, 2. My favorite piece, 3. O tannen bonbon, 4. this years tree, 5. it's beginning to look a lot like (pink) christmas!, 6. starlight starbright, 7. The Tree, 8. Soft Trees, from The Purl Bee, 9. getting all christmassy, 10. lostdeer, 11. Fake Silver Tree!, 12. paper cut tree, 13. Winter Pine Tree Cakes, 14. 309: 12.6.07, 15. morning light, 16. christmas tree

Snagglepuss

A reminder of the ongoing IKEA soft animal campaign to raise funds for UNICEF & Save the Children. In the States & Canada, $1.00 for each toy is donated equally between both organizations. In the UK, it's £1 per animal.

We love this rucksack-wearing crocodile. When GG is asleep, one little snaggle pops out. (It's so cute it should be illegal.) Today we look forward to a visit from some French friends & GG will be in her element.Perhaps an IKEA visit is in our future today. If so, then Fabler Krokodil will be coming home with us. IKEA's two series of children's accessories, along with the soft animals, are: 1) Fabler and Barnslig. At least one animal (there are some for 49 cents) is affordable for most people. Here is a link to IKEA Fans blog (yep!) with a post on the campaign.

Also remember in the States, the Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign. The IKEA animals are a perfect donation. (No, we don't work for IKEA.) Donations across the board, from food to toys are down everywhere. We know it's rough; GG Central is between contracts. We know. But surely 49 cents for a toy or a dollar to buy a non-perishable food donation is possible?

Have a great Monday.

ciao-meow,
GG's editor