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.