The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation Launches Off-Season Toy Drive in Conjunction with the Much-Anticipated Opening of "Toy Story 3"

TRIANGLE, Va. -- June 2010 -- Woody and Buzz are back and they are asking for your help. Toys for Tots, in collaboration with the release of "Toy Story 3," is kicking off an unprecedented summer toy drive. Throughout the month of June in 24 cities throughout the United States, the public will be asked to honor their cherished memories of childhood play by donating a new unwrapped toy during "Toy Story 3" promotional events. The mission is to surpass the 16.3 million toys, books and other gifts raised in 2009 that fulfilled the holiday dreams of 7.4 million children in more than 690 communities nationwide.

"We are thrilled to be working with Disney/Pixar's 'Toy Story 3' on this special summer toy raising event," said Bill Grein, vice president, marketing and development for The Marines Toys for Tots Foundation. "We are so proud of the fact that the gifts raised in each of the 24 cities will remain in those specific cities and will eventually be distributed to less fortunate children in those communities. It is truly a program where anyone who donates a toy is really donating a smile to a child in their own hometown."

• Participating cities include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis and Washington, DC.

• Look for the Official Toys for Tots "Toy Story 3" donation boxes displayed at each event.

• Any new and unwrapped toy, book or gift will gratefully be accepted.

• We encourage donations for children of all ages, but please especially consider pre-teen and teenagers.

ABOUT THE MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS PROGRAM:

Toys for Tots, a 63-year-old national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during each Christmas holiday season. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer those children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Last year the Marine Corps fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 7.4 million less fortunate children. Toys for Tots relies on individual donations as well as support from local businesses and national corporations. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.

ABOUT "TOY STORY 3"

"Toy Story 3" welcomes Woody (voice of Tom Hanks), Buzz (voice of Tim Allen) and the whole gang back to the big screen as Andy prepares to depart for college and his loyal toys find themselves in� day care! These untamed tots with their sticky little fingers do not play nice, so it's all for one and one for all as plans for the great escape get underway. A few new faces�some plastic, some plush�join the adventure, including iconic swinging bachelor and Barbie's counterpart Ken (voice of Michael Keaton), a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants (voice of Timothy Dalton) and a pink, strawberry-scented teddy bear called Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear (voice of Ned Beatty). Directed by Lee Unkrich (co-director of "Toy Story 2" and "Finding Nemo"), produced by Pixar veteran Darla K. Anderson ("Cars," "Monsters, Inc."), and written by Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Michael Arndt ("Little Miss Sunshine"), "Toy Story 3" is a comical new adventure in Disney Digital 3D� and IMAX® 3D. Become a fan on Facebook: facebook.com/pixartoystory.