War Toys

War Toys is a California-based nonprofit organization. Its mission is to advocate for children who have been affected by war, educate and train caregivers on the ground in expressive therapy-based interventions for children, and provide toys to children that comfort, promote resilience, and encourage new ways of thinking about war. War Toys was founded by toy photographer Brian McCarty in response to his experiences producing a series by the same title. Working in the field since 2011, Brian has met and collaborated with hundreds of children from Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, West Bank, Israel, and Gaza under the care of local and international NGOs and UN agencies. Seeing firsthand the severe effects of displacement and trauma on these children, Brian assembled a team of directors, advisors, and officers that includes experts in expressive therapy, childhood development, human rights, advocacy, and toy design & manufacturing. Together, they are continuing the advocacy work of the photo series while developing new programs and forging alliances that will positively impact the lives of children around the world.