In an unprecedented collaborative effort, three major US toy corporations have joined forces with the Sandals Foundation to deliver holiday joy to thousands of Caribbean children. The landmark initiative, valued at over $500,000, marks the first Caribbean outreach for all participating companies and represents one of the region’s most significant holiday gift distributions.
The philanthropic partnership brings together Spin Master, Jazwares, and The Toy Foundation™ in a coordinated campaign that will benefit children across nine Caribbean nations: Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia, The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Grenada, Barbados, Curaçao, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, emphasized the emotional significance of the initiative: “These holidays are about hope—the kind that reminds every child that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved. We are incredibly grateful to our partners for spreading joy to 45,000 young lives across the Caribbean.”
Spin Master contributed 15,000 items through its global “Toy Movement” initiative, including educational games, puzzles, Rubik’s Cubes, Kinetic Sand Kits, PAW Patrol figurines, and board games. Tammy Smitham, VP of Communications and Corporate Citizenship at Spin Master, noted: “By expanding The Toy Movement to the Caribbean islands, we hope to create new opportunities for children to grow, explore and learn through play.”
The Toy Foundation™ provided an additional 15,000 toys including plushies, building blocks, and dinosaur figurines. Executive Director Pamela Mastrota explained the deeper impact: “When a child receives a new toy, it’s more than something to play with—it’s a moment of comfort, connection, and the reassurance that they are cared for and loved.”
Jazwares contributed approximately 10,000 Squishmallows plush toys through its Jazwares Cares program. Sara Rosales, Senior Vice President of Communications at Jazwares, stated: “Bringing comfort, joy, and smiles to children is at the heart of what we do. We were happy to partner with the Sandals Foundation to create meaningful moments for families throughout the Caribbean.”
In Grenada, the distribution effort involved more than 50 volunteers from Sandals Grenada Resort who dedicated their time to wrapping and distributing 1,200 toys to children across the country. Recipients included the St. Andrew School for Special Education, Uganda Martyrs RC Primary School, Stars & Angels Day Care, and several community organizations through partnerships with the Salvation Army Grenada and the Rotary Club of Grenada.
Alison Mitchell, Teacher-in-Charge at the St. Andrew School for Special Education, expressed profound gratitude: “For those who may ‘not have,’ now they can say they have received a Christmas gift. Thank you so much for the delicious lunch and wonderful new gifts—you’ve made today a happy day for all of us.”
This year’s initiative continues a 13-year tradition of holiday toy distributions by the Sandals Foundation, creating lasting memories and reinforcing the spirit of generosity that defines the Caribbean holiday season.