Starting October 26 through January 7, 2005, Toys "R" Us retail stores will begin accepting cash donations to the Toys "R" Us Children's Fund from customers at stores and online at http://www.Toysrus.com. Toys for Tots will use the monetary donations raised by the Toys "R" Us Children's Fund, Inc. to purchase toys to benefit needy children in local communities.

Kick-off events for the partnership will take place at all Toys "R" Us and Geoffrey stores nationwide from Friday, November 5 through Sunday, November 7. At that time, individuals are welcome to bring in or purchase a new and unwrapped toy for donation to Toys for Tots. During this kick-off weekend, Marines and Toys for Tots volunteers will be stationed at Toys "R" Us stores across the country to oversee the toy collection.

"Toys "R" Us is honored to be part of this wonderful program," said John Barbour, president, Toys "R" Us, U.S. "Toys "R" Us is in the joy business, and we are especially gratified to know that the partnership with Toys for Tots will help provide millions of needy children with a brighter holiday season."

According to the U.S. Census Bureau there are an estimated 13 million children in the United States living in poverty. Last year, Toys for Tots distributed over 15 million new toys to 6.5 million of the neediest youngsters. The Toys for Tots program conducts many activities throughout the year that help generate toy and monetary donations that aid in the development of underprivileged children in the U.S.

"To have Toys "R" Us as our premier national corporate sponsor is a dream come true for us," said Lieutenant General Matthew Cooper, USMC (Ret), president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "Their support will help us meet the challenge of providing joy to millions of our nation's neediest children this holiday season."

Support for the partnership comes from Toys "R" Us corporate resources and the Toys "R" Us Children's Fund, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) foundation that contributes millions of dollars each year to children's programs and organizations. The Toys "R" Us Children's Fund, Inc. continues to seek innovative ways to improve the lives of children.

More information about the Toys "R" Us, Inc., Toys "R" Us Children's Fund, Inc. and Toys For Tots partnership, including an update on funds raised to date, may be found at http://www.Toysrusinc.com, beginning October 26. Information about Toys for Tots is available at http://www.Toysfortots.org.

About The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots Program

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, an IRS recognized 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit public charity is the authorized fund raising and support organization for the Toys for Tots Program. The Foundation provides the funding and support needed for successful annual toy collection and distribution campaigns. The foundation is located at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia. Local reserve units collect and distribute toys in nearly 500 communities covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

About Toys "R" Us

Toys "R" Us is one of the leading specialty toy retailers in the world. Currently it sells merchandise through more than 1,200 stores, including 680 toy stores in the U.S. and 591 international toy stores, including licensed and franchise stores as well as through its Internet sites at http://www.toysrus.com, http://www.imaginarium.com and http://www.sportsrus.com. Babies "R" Us is the largest baby product specialty store chain in the world and a leader in the juvenile industry, and sells merchandise through 208 stores in the U.S. as well as on the Internet at http://www.babiesrus.com.

About The Toys "R" Us Children's Fund, Inc.

Since it was founded in 1992, The Toys "R" Us Children's Fund has donated millions of dollars every year to organizations and charities that support the health and welfare of children. Funds raised through The Toys "R" Us Children's Fund are used to support The Kids' Playroom Program, early childhood reading programs and numerous other children's causes.