HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania kicked off the 2025 holiday season with an unexpected milestone Thursday, as the Shapiro Administration announced that more than 1,000 stuffed toys passed state safety inspections and were donated to families in need — the largest total in the program’s history.
The Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) confirmed that its inspectors approved 1,085 stuffed toys after reviewing samples for choking hazards, labeling accuracy, contents, and other safety risks required under state law. Those toys were delivered to the Department of Human Services (DHS) for distribution through its long-running Holiday Wish program.
This year’s total marks a 45 percent jump from last year’s 749 donated toys. L&I officials noted that more than 50 of the items are made from recycled materials, reflecting changes enacted under Act 30 of 2024. The law updated Pennsylvania’s Stuffed Toy Manufacturing Act, lifting a decades-old ban on recycled materials while preserving strict safety standards.
L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker said the annual tradition demonstrates how small initiatives can resonate during a difficult season. Walker said the inspections combine “protecting people’s safety while spreading hope and joy to families across Pennsylvania,” adding that acts of generosity can matter even more “in times that can feel especially heavy.”
DHS Executive Deputy Secretary Andrew Barnes emphasized that the program’s impact is especially meaningful this year, noting that many families have struggled with federal-level disruptions affecting essential services. Barnes said DHS and its partner agencies remain focused on helping residents meet basic needs such as food and health care, while also supporting families facing financial strain during the holidays.
The Holiday Wish program, launched by DHS employees in 1989, now includes hundreds of state workers who sponsor gift requests from families and older adults identified through County Assistance Offices. Caseworkers screen applicants for programs such as SNAP and Medicaid and connect those experiencing hardship with Holiday Wish to help fulfill modest gift lists. In December, state agencies and the Pennsylvania National Guard coordinate distribution efforts across the Commonwealth.
The record-setting toy donation marks another step in the administration’s broader push to update consumer protections and expand access to support services during periods of economic stress.
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