3D Printing for Toys and Tots Helps Provide Christmas Gifts to Children

As we move into the holiday period, it is always important to think of others. Indeed, this is why Christmas is known as a time of giving, as many are more generous in donations both money and objects to charity. But did you know 3D printing could also be a way to spread the Christmas spirit? For the fifth year in the row, IC3D is organizing the 3D printing community to make 3D printed toys to donate to Toys for Tots, with the company expecting record-breaking donations this year.

For those who may not have grown up with the commercials or the ubiquitous toy donation boxes in local businesses across the USA, Toys for Tots was started back in by the U.S. Marines as a way to “collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortune children at Christmas.” Around since 1991, the charity has support across the country and is regularly included as one of the top-rated American charities. Though, the work by IC3D to organize 3D printed toys for Toys and Tots is understandably much newer.

Different 3D printed gifts that can be made with STL files offered through the program (photo credits: IC3D)

Starting in 2018 (though the idea was first conceived in 2015), IC3D has asked “3D printing experts” around the country to 3D print toys to donate for Toys for Tots. Though in the first year around 150 toys were made, that number has grown exponentially. Last year, IC3D delivered 69,000 3D printed toys to children in need through Toys for Tots and this year they are aiming even higher. Right now, the 3D printing volunteers have already made 77,799 toys with an ultimate goal of 85,000.

Using 3D Printing to Make Toys

As mentioned, this effort is organized by IC3D, an all-in-one 3D printing service bureau that sells its own filament and printers and that is based in Ohio. However, the project touches lives across the countr. This is because the so-called 3D printing elves work through local volunteer regional coordinators, named ElfHubs, to create 3D printed toys before they are received, inspected and delivered to Toys for Tots chapters in the area.

This year, an astonishing 406 3D printing elves have volunteered their services to make these 3D printed toys. Not only that, but $16,000 has already been donated to offset the costs of making the toys. Indeed, anyone interested can use their own 3D printers and the many 3D files made available by elves like Javi Rodríguez, alias McGybeer, or Joe Larson, better known as the 3D Printing Professor on YouTube, with toys like 3D printed trains, articulated animals and more.

Chris Gawronski from the Network for Adaptive Human Technology, a 501(c)(3) public charity that helps organize fiscal sponsorships in order to overcome costs associated with the operation, commented, “It is wonderful to be a part of bringing joy to children, especially when it is through the incredible efforts of the Toys for Tots program. NAHT hopes its ongoing efforts to support Toys for Tots helps to raise awareness about the flexibility and unique benefits of 3D printing technology and how it can be harnessed to advance human potential.” You can find out more about the project for Toys for Tots, or become a sponsor HERE.

Articulated cats that can be made using an STL file donated by McGybeer to make 3D printed toys for Toys for Tots (photo credits: McGybeer)

What do you think of the efforts of IC3D and their community of 3D printing elves to make gifts for Toys for Tots? Will you participate this year or in the future? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.