Project Toy Drop Partners with Air Force Reserve Command, Honoring Military Families with Bundles of Happiness
WARNER ROBINS, Ga. (May 2018): Kids Wish Network united with Air Force Reserve Command of Robins Air Force Base for its 20th Project Toy Drop event at the Museum of Aviation on May 12. Kids Wish Network’s Project Toy Drop brought a special delivery… truckloads of new toys, lap desks, school supplies, arts and crafts kits, clothing and accessories, necessities, and so many more spectacular items to children of Air Force Reserve families. Kids Wish Network also purchased fishing poles for all kids attending the event. Children visited gift stations piled high with stacks of fun merchandise, and filled up bags with all their favorite things.
“Thank you for doing this for us,” said attendee LaToya McClary. “My daughter said it was so nice of them to give away all those toys to kids like me.”
“Our Reserve Citizen Airmen are our most valued asset,” said Senior Master Sergeant Jackie Zawada, Project Manager for the Yellow Ribbon Program. “This event is an opportunity to partner with the community and Kids Wish Network to give back a small token of our appreciation to the children of those who sacrifice for and serve this great nation. The Air Force Reserve relies on this community partnership to ensure we are ready to support the mission.”
For this very meaningful weekend beginning with Military Spouse Appreciation Day, all family members were given special recognition. The event also honored some very influential heroes… pink carnations were given to military moms in celebration of Mother’s Day.
“It is humbling to see such an outpouring of generosity for our Air Force Reserve families,” said Colonel Alaric “A.J.” Jorgensen, Deputy Director of Staff, Air Force Reserve Command. “It is a united front of so many people who came together to make this event happen.”
Starting out 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.
“It was an honor to show our appreciation to these deserving families who make so many daily sacrifices for our country’s safety and freedom,” said Kids Wish Network Executive Director Tam Lai. “With the event being held on Mother’s Day weekend, it was also wonderful having the opportunity to further recognize all the moms for their selfless acts in their additional role of motherhood.”
Our heartfelt thanks to Central Transport for their continued support of Project Toy Drop, graciously donating their services in delivering all the pallets from Florida and Tennessee to the Air Force Reserve Command event. Kids Wish Network is also grateful to Tennessee Commercial Warehouse for donating space to store Project Toy Drop’s special merchandise.
We’d also like to thank these generous sponsors: Residence Inn by Marriot Macon, Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown, Maggiano’s Little Italy – Buckhead, CVS, Publix Super Markets Inc., Dunkin Donuts #344356, Kroger, O’Charley’s #278, Sonny’s BBQ, Walgreens #6561, Daisy Patch Flowers, Georgia Bobs BBQ, Home Depot #0163, Mercer University, Georgia State University, Olive Garden #1769, Publix #1008, United Rentals, and Aldi.
Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children having experienced life-altering situations. Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn more and find out how you can help makes dreams come true and sponsor a wish for a deserving child.
