PANAMA CITY, FL. (January 2018): Kids Wish Network brought its 18th Project Toy Drop to Tyndall Air Force Base. This special celebration included three holiday-themed events that sparkled with joy and cheer.  

Kids Wish Network donated new toys, educational products, games, clothing and other items (a retail value of $240,000) to children of families in the military. Gift stations brimming with stacks of fun merchandise created wonder and excitement as kids went from table to table, filling big bags with all their favorite things. 

Select children also received an extraordinary surprise. Kids Wish Network also purchased and gifted new bikes, donating an additional $2,000 of merchandise to this heartwarming military celebration.

“We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to work with Kids Wish Network,” said Tyndall Air Force Base Exceptional Family Member Coordinator Shannon Scott. “The families at the events were in awe of the generosity and dedication that Kids Wish Network displayed.  Seeing their little faces light up was priceless!”

Starting as a wish-granting organization that creates memorable wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses, Kids Wish Network has expanded over the years to include additional programs. Project Toy Drop travels the country, creating miles of smiles for deserving children ages 3-16 who are either kids of American servicemen and women or at-risk youth facing significant challenges. This program creates a special day of unity that brings happiness and hope to so many children and their families.

“We’re greatly honored to create so much happiness for these children dealing with lots of extra stresses which are magnified during the holidays,” said Kids Wish Network Executive Director Tam Lai. “We know it’s a difficult time for many military kids, especially if a parent is deployed and unable to celebrate as a family.”

Pilot Freight Services and A&O Logistics graciously collaborated in donating their services, transporting all the merchandise from California to Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida.