I’m consistently amazed (and proud) of some of the initiatives that come out of our company, especially around the holidays. Earlier this week, eBay unveiled The Give-A-Toy Store in New York and San Francisco that makes it easy for shoppers to donate joy – and toys – via their mobile devices. The holiday storefronts benefit Toys for Tots and feature interactive displays of popular toys such as teddy bears and trains that represent donation amounts from $2 to $25. Window shoppers can download the eBay mobile app to scan QR codes on virtual price tags, which triggers the toys to animate and “come to life.” As donations are made to Toys for Tots, the virtual toys celebrate and express their gratitude.

Actress Debra Messing joined eBay to launch The Give-A-Toy Store in New York City, located at 35th Street & Broadway, near Herald Square. A Give-A-Toy Store also opened at 117 Post Street in San Francisco, near the busy Union Square shopping district. Both locations will be open for enjoyment and charitable window shopping through December 9th. Here is some behind-the-scenes footage of the launch…

Shoppers not in New York or San Francisco are able to experience the Give-A-Toy Store and make donations by visiting http://www.eBay.com/GiveAToyStore. Facebook users are also invited to interact with the Give-A-Toy Store on Facebook, through the Build a Toy campaign that allows fans to customize a virtual toy at Facebook.com/eBay. eBay will donate $1 for every toy customized, up to $50,000.

Cheers!
RBH