November 15, 2023 - Harrisburg, PA
The Pennsylvania Departments ofLabor & Industry(L&I) andHuman Services(DHS) kicked off the 2023 holiday season Wednesday with an annual donation of stuffed toys collected throughout the year by L&I during routinesafetyinspections.The toys will bedistributed to Pennsylvania families through DHS'Holiday Wish program."We inspect these stuffed toys throughout the year to ensure their safety for all children in Pennsylvania. It's become a tradition at L&I to donate the inspected toys to the Holiday Wish program because we get to brighten the holidays for a few children while reminding parents and retailers of the importance of toy safety,"L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker."I encourage any Pennsylvanian who can give a little extra this year to consider donating to a holiday charity. The joy and happiness through a simple act of kindness can lead to lifelong memories for countless Pennsylvania children."Under state law, L&I's Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safety must inspect all new stuffed toy samples for contents, choking hazards, and general safety. Toys that pass inspection get a registration number, which is on every stuffed toy sold in the Commonwealth. Through this process, L&I accumulates hundreds of toy samples each year.Interviews (In Order):Nancy Walker - Secretary of Labor & IndustryAndrew Barnes - Deputy Secretary, Dept. of Human Services (DHS)Matthew Kegg - Director, Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safetywith Labor & Industry
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