Duracell® to Donate up to 1 Million Batteries to Toys for Tots This Holiday

Ellen DeGeneres joins Duracell to support its Power a Smile program helping kids in need experience the joy of the holiday season

Ellen DeGeneres launches Duracell "Power a Smile" Program that will donate up to 1 million batteries to Toys for Tots, triggered by the purchase of eligible Duracell battery packs, on Friday, Nov. 22, 2013 in Los Angeles. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision for Duracell/AP Images)

BETHEL, Conn.--()--Duracell today launched its Power a Smile program, which will donate up to 1 million batteries to Toys for Tots – the brand’s largest donation to the organization. Every eligible Duracell battery pack purchased will trigger a donation to Toys for Tots, which collects new toys to distribute to less fortunate children every holiday season.

“As a father it’s a joy to see my children’s faces light up on Christmas morning as they unwrap their gifts,” said Jeff Jarrett, Marketing Director for Duracell. “It’s a memorable moment that shouldn’t be spoiled because the toy is missing batteries. Through Duracell Power a Smile, we want to ensure every parent and child, no matter their circumstance, can experience that joy.”

To launch the Duracell Power a Smile program, Ellen DeGeneres joined Duracell and Toys for Tots at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles today. DeGeneres, along with Marines conducting the Toys for Tots Campaign in Los Angeles, helped prepare a C-130 cargo aircraft with Duracell batteries and toys. The plane was symbolically sent to go forth and collect batteries and toys for children in need.

“I love what Toys for Tots does,” said Ellen DeGeneres. “But if you think about it, a toy without a battery on Christmas morning is so sad. It’s like the ocean without the waves…or rain without the rainbow…or a strawberry without the daiquiri. I’m thrilled to join Duracell and to help bring a little extra joy to kids this season.”

“Toys for Tots is grateful for the support from both Duracell and Ellen as we start our work of collecting new toys from all over the country leading up to Christmas,” said retired Marine Major Bill Grein, Vice President of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Batteries are a critical part of our program as they play a big role in creating a wonderful holiday experience for children in need.”

To trigger a battery donation to Toys for Tots and stock up on batteries for the holidays, consumers can simply purchase an eligible Duracell Quantum or CopperTop battery pack at any major local retailer. Duracell will donate one battery for each Duracell Quantum AA 12 or CopperTop AA 16 pack purchased, from now until Dec. 27. For more information visit www.duracell.com.

About Duracell

Part of the Procter & Gamble Company [NYSE:PG], Duracell has been powering people around the world for more than 50 years. Our products serve as the heart of devices that keep people connected, protect their families, entertain them and simplify their increasingly mobile lifestyles. As the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance alkaline batteries, Duracell also innovates in renewable power and wireless charging technologies to help consumers live life without limits. Visit www.duracell.com for more information; follow us on Twitter.com/Duracell and like us on Facebook.com/Duracell.

About Procter & Gamble

P&G serves approximately 4.8 billion people around the world with its brands. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Ace®, Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Duracell®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Fusion®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Iams®, Lenor®, Mach3®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, Prestobarba®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, Wella®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com/ for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

About Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not for profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Now in its 66th year, Toys for Tots provides joy and a message of hope to economically disadvantaged children through the gift of a new toy during the Christmas holiday season. Their gifts offer these children recognition and a positive memory they will cherish for a lifetime. Many of the gifts they provide, such as books, games and sports equipment, make a significant contribution to the educational, social and physical development of these children. In 2012, Marines distributed gifts to 7.1 million children in 740 communities nationwide. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation relies on individual donations from the American public as well as support from corporate sponsors, including Duracell. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.

Contacts

Duracell
Win Sakdinan, 203-791-3221
sakdinan.w@pg.com
OR
Citizen Paine
Esther Ban, 212-613-4910
esther.ban@citizenrelations.com

Release Summary

Duracell today launched its Power a Smile program, which will donate up to 1 million batteries to Toys for Tots – the brand’s largest donation to the organization.

Contacts

Duracell
Win Sakdinan, 203-791-3221
sakdinan.w@pg.com
OR
Citizen Paine
Esther Ban, 212-613-4910
esther.ban@citizenrelations.com