NORFOLK, Va. (December 2018): The holidays came early for children in Norfolk. Children’s charity Kids Wish Network, brought its 21st Project Toy Drop event to Norfolk Scope Arena, donating a retail value of $300,000 in new toys, educational products, games, clothing, and other items to local children of families in need. It was even more exciting than Christmas morning as kids entered a room filled with stacks of merchandise and stuffed large bags full of all their favorite things.

Walmart sponsored Norfolk’s extraordinary Project Toy Drop event. “At Walmart, we are always looking to make a difference in the communities we serve and our associates loved seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces,” said Laurie Smalling Letts, Walmart Senior Director of Community Relations.  “Working with Kids Wish Network and the Norfolk Police Department to bring Project Toy Drop to life in Norfolk was such a great way for us to give back and bring holiday cheer to so many families.”

Norfolk Police Chief Larry Boone was in attendance and said,“Thank you Kids Wish Network for bringing such an incredible blessing to our dear City during this season of giving, and I also want to highlight Walmart and their associates for their commitment to the community all year round.” The Chief was also excited that families came in with nothing, and left with armfuls of toys and much-needed items. Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander also shared his gratitude and read the City’s proclamation for Kids Wish Network, declaring December 15, 2018, as Kids Wish Network Project Toy Drop Day in the City of Norfolk.

“I’d like to thank Walmart for sponsoring our Project Toy Drop event, and selecting the City of Norfolk and its wonderful people to be the recipients of our Project Toy Drop program,” said Kids Wish Network Executive Director Tam Lai. “Also a big thank you to the Norfolk Police Department and Norfolk Public School System.”

Our appreciation also goes out to Central Transport for their continued support in donating their services and delivering our Miles of Smiles™ to kids throughout the country in need of happiness.

For more information on Project Toy Drop events visit https://www.kidswishnetwork.org/programs/project-toy-drop/ or https://www.projecttoydrop.org/.

Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children with life-threatening conditions and struggling with life-altering situations. KWN provides trip expenses, meals, accommodations, and additional spending monies to all wish families whenever traveling as applicable. Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about our different programs, and find out how you can help make dreams come true and sponsor a wish for a deserving child.