Bundled in Hope Campaign Helps Babies in Need - Help them Provide Baby Blankets!

The Bundled in Hope Campaign Helps American Babies in Need

Beginning on Mother's Day, May 9th, Babies"R”Us will kick off a live auction of 10 celebrity-designed baby blankets from noteworthy celebrity moms, including: Laila Ali, Blythe Danner, Joely Fisher, Faith Hill, Regina King, Constance Marie, Idina Menzel, Cynthia Rowley and Kelly Rutherford.

Wayne, NJ (May 6, 2010) – Toys"R”Us, Inc. today announced the launch of its 2010 Bundled in Hope^® campaign benefiting Save the Children, a global humanitarian agency working to assist children in the United States and around the world. Now through Sunday, July 11, all donations made at Toys"R”Us^® and Babies"R”Us^® stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/BundledinHope will be directed to Save the Children's U.S. Programs to help purchase blankets and provide support for babies in need in communities across the country. To kick off this year's campaign, a $250,000 grant was made to Save the Children from the Toys"R”Us Children's Fund.

The Stars Align: Celebrity Moms Design Blankets for Auction

The 2010 Bundled in Hope fundraising program includes an online auction of 10 baby blankets specially designed by celebrity moms. Using their experience as mothers and their unique creativity, Laila Ali, Blythe Danner, Joely Fisher, Faith Hill, Regina King, Constance Marie, Idina Menzel, Cynthia Rowley and Kelly Rutherford have designed one-of-a-kind baby blankets for auction to raise awareness and funds for this campaign.

                                       (pictured right - Blythe Danner designed blanket)

Fans of the celebrity participants, those who adore the blanket designs or anyone who wants to show support for the Bundled in Hope campaign can begin placing bids on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 9, at Toysrus.com/BundledinHope. Blankets will be auctioned throughout the nine-week campaign, with the last blanket auction closing on Sunday, July 11. One hundred percent of all winning auction bids will be directed to Save the Children's U.S. Programs.

Blankets for Babies: Making a Difference in the Lives of Little Ones   

(pictured left, Laila Ali designed blanket)

Providing hope for the 2.6 million babies living in hardship is the focus of this campaign. Impoverished young ones often face higher levels of stress and more anxiety-producing situations than those from more affluent families. In fact, research shows that something as simple as a blanket can comfort a small child during difficult periods of transition, providing a sense of security and fostering emotional development.

In 2009, the Bundled in Hope campaign raised more than $1 million, allowing Save the Children to purchase thousands of blankets for distribution to underprivileged infants in homes and hospitals across the country and provide basic services to support their growth and long-term success.

"Recently I visited a home for impoverished mothers to deliver blankets for their little ones – blankets made available through the Toys"R”Us Bundled in Hope campaign,” said Mark Shriver, Vice President and Managing Director of U.S. Programs, Save the Children. "As a father of three, I understand a parent's desire to give our children all we can. Through this fundraising program, mothers in the United States who can't afford basic necessities for their little ones will have the opportunity to build hope for a brighter future.”

Virtual Support for Bundled in Hope: Get Social for the Cause

A dedicated blog, "Wrap Session,” at Toysrus.com/BundledinHope serves as a virtual Bundled in Hope headquarters where visitors can learn about the lasting impact donors can make on the lives of children in need in the United States. The site also offers regular program updates and tracks fundraising success.

Facebook users can also show support by becoming fans of Babies"R”Us at Facebook.com/Babiesrus and stay informed about the campaign, receive messages from leaders at Save the Children, view behind-the-scenes photos, share their own baby blanket photos and more. Those who prefer to tweet about the campaign can follow @Babiesrus to receive links to Bundled in Hope stories, share them with friends, family and followers and encourage others to donate.