Toy Vendor Profile

Soft Stuff Creations Distributes Toys Designed by Bill Helin

Soft Stuff Creations is honored to be distributing plush toys and finger puppets designed by Bill Helin, a Tsimshian artist based in British Columbia.

Steeped in the rich cultural traditions of Northwest Coastal art, Helin is an artist, book writer, illustrator, and designer who creates two and three dimensional art in the tradition of his Tsimshian ancestry.

Helin’s children’s books are rich in the storytelling tradition and assist in various school educational programs. His “Culture Crew” plush and puppet characters translate into amazing fun and educational toys.

Culturally relevant, fun and educational, this collection has become a top-selling product for the discerning buyer. Soft Stuff will be licensing new Native artists from across North America to expand this exciting product Collection.

(For more information, visit www.softstuffcreations.com, call 888-228-5001, or circle 54 on the reader service card.) ❖

Toy Industry News

Soft Stuff Creations offers fun and educational toys based on the art of Bill Helin, a Tsimshian artist based in British Columbia.

Bring Summertime Fun to Kids in Underserved Communities: Donate to TTF’s Summer Toy Drive

The Toy Foundation (TTF) is reminding toy manufacturers and distributors there’s still time to donate toys and games to thousands of deserving children this summer.

The 2021 Summer Toy Drive, open now through Labor Day, is in need of outdoor toys, arts and crafts toys, sports toys, games, puzzles, brainteasers, ride-ons, compounds, and more. Free pick-ups can be coordinated in most cases and all donations are tax deductible.

“The holiday season isn’t the only time of year to make an impact,” said Elizabeth Max, senior foundation manager at TTF. “Children deserve to experience the comfort of play year-round. That is why the generosity of our partners has been so critical during these summer months. We invite more toymakers to take the time to contribute and, in the process, touch the lives of thousands of underserved kids nationwide.”

This year, The Toy Bank is partnering with several children’s charities, including the First Responders Children’s Foundation’s Power of Play initiative, which is transforming play spaces within New York City Housing Authority public housing and donating truckloads of free sports equipment to children in those communities.

Toy companies can contact Elizabeth Max to learn more about the summer toy drive. All donations are tax deductible. To learn more about The Toy Foundation’s decadeslong work, visit www.toyfoundation.org. ❖