HOLIDAY, Fla., Dec. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Children's charity Kids Wish Network hosted their annual Holiday in Holiday event to distribute over $700,000 worth of toys to over 35 charities and organizations for the 2013 holiday season. 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.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131217/PH34460-a)
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131217/PH34460-b)
"It is our pleasure to be able to give to these local charities and organizations for the holiday season," said Kids Wish Network Executive Director Anna Lanzatella. "We are honored to be able to help facilities nationwide, but we take special pride in being able to assist those in need right here in our own back yard."
Representatives from more than 35 charities and shelters received pallets of toys and necessities each valued at over $20,000 during Kids Wish Network's "Holiday in Holiday" gift-giving event. This event is made possible through Kids Wish Network's unique Holiday of Hope Gift Bank program, in which they provide donations of toys to children in the care of hospitals, shelters, advocacy programs and other organizations nationwide.
Each organization was more than thrilled to receive a pallet brimming with new toys, games and gifts from some of the nation's leading manufacturers and distributors to give to children in need. The pallets of merchandise included puzzles, games, books, cameras, school supplies, backpack, ecosystems, pen pal kits, kindle accessories, hygiene & beauty products, pillows, jewelry boxes, educational toys and so much more.
"Christmas for our kids was looking very bleak until Kids Wish Network came along and enabled us to help our community in ways we ordinarily wouldn't be able to do. I feel the love, I really do," said Reverend Campbell with the Pasco County Homeless Coalition.
"Without Kids Wish Network we wouldn't be able to help our kids, without their donation I would have to scramble to find toys. Kids Wish Network has made our event Sincerely Santa possible this year," said David Raach with Hillsborough Fire Rescue.
"I would like to thank Kids Wish Network for everything that they do. Kids Wish has given us the opportunity to give over 500 children something to open on Christmas," said Ricky Gallon with the Boys &Girls Club of Tampa Bay.
Over the past 5 years, Kids Wish Network has given more than $6,000,000 to local charities and shelters and over $1,500,000 has been distributed in Pasco County alone. Kids Wish Network will be distributing for the Holiday In Holiday event through December 20th. If you are a 501 (c) 3 organization who serve children between the ages of 3-18 and are interested in receiving a holiday gift bank please contact Kids Wish Network's Program Services.
For photos from this event, visit www.kidswishnetwork.org/media.
For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit www.kidswishnetwork.org.
Every child deserves a chance at happiness; a wish is a way of bringing them that joy. If you would like to sponsor a child's wish or if you know a child who is suffering from a life threatening illness and may be in need of Kids Wish Network's wish granting services, please call 727-937-3600 or toll free 888-918-9004.
CONTACT: Julia Shelly
(727) 937-3600