HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Departments of Labor & Industry (L&I) and Human Services (DHS) have once again embraced the spirit of giving with their annual donation of stuffed toys to the Holiday Wish program, marking the beginning of the 2024 holiday season. This initiative underscores the commitment of state agencies to support families in need by delivering joy and comfort to children across the Commonwealth.
The toys, collected by L&I throughout the year during routine safety inspections, are part of a longstanding tradition that combines public safety with community service. “This annual tradition of donating inspected toys to the Holiday Wish program represents the best of public service — ensuring safety while bringing joy to Pennsylvania’s children during the holiday season,” stated L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. The Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safety rigorously inspects each stuffed toy for safety, awarding a registration number to those that pass inspection, ensuring they are free from hazards.
This year, L&I has delivered 749 stuffed toys to DHS, an increase from the 650 distributed last year, highlighting the growing reach of the Holiday Wish program. Established in 1989 by DHS employees, the program has expanded significantly, involving hundreds of state employees and impacting thousands of individuals across Pennsylvania.
DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh emphasized the importance of the Holiday Wish program in fulfilling the department’s mission: “The Department of Human Services works every day to make it possible for people to achieve a better life… This work is fundamental to our mission, and I am extremely proud to work with so many state employees with compassion for our fellow Pennsylvanians who help make the holidays better and brighter for the families we serve.”
A recent update to the Stuffed Toy Manufacturing Act, signed into law by Governor Shapiro as Act 30 of 2024, has modernized regulations by lifting the ban on recycled materials in stuffed toys. The new legislation mandates that all stuffed toys sold in Pennsylvania must include a label indicating whether they are made from new materials, recycled materials, or a combination, along with the manufacturer’s registration number starting with “REG. NO. PA.” This update aims to enhance consumer safety by ensuring toys are properly labeled and safe.
In addition to providing toys, the Holiday Wish program identifies families in need through DHS County Assistance Offices. Families are encouraged to select gifts they need or desire, and state employees sponsor these individuals, ensuring they receive special gifts during the holiday season. The program culminates in December with a coordinated effort by Commonwealth agencies and the Pennsylvania National Guard to distribute gifts to hundreds of families.
Applications for public assistance, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medical Assistance (Medicaid), can be submitted online or through local DHS offices. For those facing financial difficulties, DHS offers a lifeline, encouraging residents to seek support through its various programs.
This annual donation effort not only brightens the holiday season for many but also highlights the enduring commitment of Pennsylvania’s state agencies to foster a supportive and resilient community.
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