The IKEA Soft Toys for Education Campaign is gearing up! Running from November 1 - December 24, this annual event raises money to educate children around the world. Since 2003, the IKEA Soft Toy campaign has donated 35.2 million Euros ($47.5 Million USD) to UNICEF and Save the Children. This contribution has enabled approximately 8 million children in nearly 40 countries the great opportunity of having access to a quality education.

IKEA Soft Toys - which includes stuffed animals, finger puppets and books - range in price from $.49 - $19.99, and for every IKEA Soft Toy that a customer purchases, one euro (approximately $1.30 US) is donated to the Soft Toys for Education Campaign. These incredibly affordable and cuddly creatures will certainly put a smile in the hearts of children, while supporting millions of other children who are in need of a quality education.

This year the campaign kicks off on November 1 with the IKEA Day of Donation, during which each IKEA US store will donate hundreds of soft toys and books to the US Marines Toys for Tots. IKEA Centennial is expanding the program by donating hundreds of soft toys and products to the local Tennyson Center for abused children in addition to the local Toys for Tots organization. We're asking readers to give the gift that gives back by purchasing a soft toy at IKEA and dropping it in the donation bins at the IKEA Centennial store for these deserving groups.