Inggrid Yonata posted on December 10, 2009 17:13
For Immediate Release
December 10, 2009
Contact: Inggrid Yonata, inggrid_yonata@naaapchicago.org
CHICAGO - On Saturday, December 12, 2009, NAAAP Chicago in partnership with The Center for Asian Arts and Media (CAAM) at Columbia College Chicago, will reach out to children in need through the 7th Annual Holiday Toy Drive - Gift a Toy event.
NAAAP Chicago members and supporters will give back to the community in a small, but meaningful, way by writing warm comforting messages on holiday cards and wrapping donated toys to be given to underprivileged children this holiday season.
Last year, NAAAP Chicago raised nearly $1,500 and donated 226 gifts and toys to local youngsters at Asian Youth Services (AYS), Korean American Women in Need (KAN-WIN), and the Pui Tak Center. This year, the goal is to raise 300 toys destined to be in the hands of children at the Asian Human Services, Indo-American Center, and the Vietnamese Association of Illinois. These local non-profit groups provide care and assistance in literacy, employment, health, immigration, and family-oriented services to thousands of low-income and immigrant families from various parts of Asia.
Columbia College's Center for Asian Arts and Media (CAAM) Program Coordinator Ramona Gupta is excited to co-host NAAAP Chicago's 7th Annual Holiday Toy Drive at the new Quincy Wong Center for Artistic Expression. "As part of its mission to present arts and media programs by and about Asians and Asian Americans, CAAM has long supported and partnered with community-based organizations like this year's gift recipients," Gupta said. In addition, the Quincy Wong Center, which was named after the late actor and activist, will be presented to the community during the Toy Drive.
Andrew Samaniego, NAAAP Chicago's Director of Community Service, said NAAAP Chicago's Annual Toy Drive connects businesses, educational institutions, and individuals to the local Pan-Asian community through these small acts of kindness-whether it comes in the form of donations or volunteer service-that benefit children who are less fortunate. "We cannot be more thrilled for everyone's support, as this effort gives members an opportunity to give back and lead," Samaniego said. "Most importantly, the children receiving these toys will have an extra smile for what we all are doing."
For more information about this annual toy drive, visit http://www.naaapchicago.org/Events.aspx
