Kids Wish Network Brings Joy to 3,000 Louisville Children Through its Holiday of Hope On Tour Event
Louisville, KY (PRWEB) May 06, 2015 -- Children’s charity Kids Wish Network brought joy to 3,000 Louisville children by distributing over $615,000 of new gifts as part of the Kids Wish Network’s On Tour Event program that works to provide joy for children facing life-altering situations.
The event kicked off Mayor Greg Fischer’s Give A Day week of service. Thousands of Louisville children and their families flooded the area and waited patiently in lines wrapped around the TARC building. For more than three hours, city officials, local volunteers, police officers and firefighters all worked nonstop to make sure that each and every child received the toys and necessities they so deserved.
“The Kids Wish Network event was remarkable,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “Providing toys to thousands of children facing adversity was truly touching. Our entire community- citizen volunteers, firefighters, police officers and many others- joined the effort, revealing their caring and positive nature of reaching out to help others. We greatly appreciate Kids Wish Network providing our community with a magical moment that will live on for years to come!”
The 26 pallets, delivered by sponsor Con-way Freight, were filled with board games, puzzles, stuffed animals, educational items, new clothes and hygiene products valued at more than $615,000.
“The Kids Wish Network does a tremendous job filling a void for children who are faced with uncommonly challenging life situations,” said Con-way Freight’s Suzanne Bloom, who chairs the company’s “voices and values” community outreach team in Louisville. “Helping strengthen our communities and enriching the lives of others is a key part of our culture. We are proud to be able to support the important mission of The Kids Wish Network and contribute in a small way to bringing some happiness to truly deserving children.”
Nearly two dozen Con-way Freight employees in Louisville volunteered and supported the event. The trucking company also provided pro-bono freight transportation services to bring the gifts, which took up two full trailers, from Tampa, FL, to Louisville.
Through the Holiday of Hope On Tour Event and Gift Bank programs, Kids Wish Network is able to reach hundreds of thousands of children in cities like Louisville each year. These kids are facing upsetting and often traumatic circumstances such as illness, abuse, neglect and homelessness.
“This On Tour Event in Louisville gave Kids Wish Network the opportunity to do more than just deliver toys and necessities; it allowed us to help strengthen the bonds between city officials and communities,” said Kids Wish Network Executive Director Anna Lanzatella. “We are delighted to be able to help the children of Louisville; just seeing the smiles on their faces and the appreciation of their parents makes it all worthwhile. It was a pleasure to work with Mayor Fischer and his staff and all the local volunteers and sponsors who generously gave their time and supported our efforts.”
With the help of generous donors and volunteers, Kids Wish Network and the city were able to provide comfort and joy to kids that need it most.
Special thanks to sponsors and volunteers including: TARC, LMPD, The Police Foundation, LDF, EMA MetroSafe, Café Press JCPS, Louisville Water Company, Rumpke, League of Mascots, Embassy Suites, YUM!, Texas Roadhouse, Rafferty’s, Brazeiros, Olive Garden, Tumbleweed, The Café, Alliance Entertainment and Con-way Freight.
Kids Wish Network is a nationwide charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children having experience life-altering situations. More than just granting wishes, Kids Wish Network makes a difference through its various programs by delivering hope to kids across the United States. Learn more at http://www.kidswishnetwork.org.
Sarah DuPree, Kids Wish Network, +1 (727) 937-3600, [email protected]
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