HOLIDAY, Fla., July 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Thanks to Kids Wish Network and the Local 754 Firefighters, kids at St. Joe's Hospital in Tampa, FL will be enjoying some early holiday cheer. International Children's Charity Kids Wish Network's Gift Banks provide emergency rooms, pediatric units, and other children's care facilities with age appropriate toys to offer a welcome distraction to children facing often traumatic or life threatening illnesses. Toys and games with a retail value of approximately $40,000 will be distributed Friday, July 26th, 2013 at 10:00 am.
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"Our Gift Banks provide children in medical facilities nationwide a break from their treatments, as well as hope and encouragement for a healthier future," said Anna Lanzatella, Executive Director of the Kids Wish Network. "Our charity works with children and pediatric care facilities all across the country and we are thrilled to be able to give back to children right here in our own community. We are so excited to work with the local Firefighters on this special endeavor."
Kids Wish Network is an international charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children having experienced life-altering situations. Although known for its wish granting for children facing life-altering issues, Kids Wish Network also works with more than 200 hospitals and care facilities throughout the United States to distribute over $3 million in gifts and necessities each year.
The toys will be distributed by the Local 754 firefighters and members of St. Joe's. Jace Kohan, a representative for Local 754, is thrilled about the event. "Our support by Kids Wish Network really saved the day on this event; because of Kids Wish Network we are able to bring a lot of hope and smiles to children in our area. We look forward to work with Kids Wish Network in the future for these kids. Giving back to the community is what it's all about."
The generosity of our donors allows Kids Wish Network to provide hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of toys and necessities through their Gift Banks to hospitals. Kids Wish Network also hosts a Hero of the Month program which allows these same hospitals and child care facilities to nominate one child every month between the ages of 3 and 18 who has faced and overcome difficult circumstances to be their "Hero of the Month."
For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit www.kidswishnetwork.org
If you know of a hospital that could benefit from its Hero of the Month or Gift Bank programs, please call Kids Wish Network at 727-937-3600 or toll free at 888-918-9004.
CONTACT: Julia Shelly
(727) 937-3600