Efforts to Overcome Logistical Challenges Solved Just in Time for Christmas
FORT WORTH, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, Hasbro, Inc., Signature Flight Support, and Hillwood Airways, a Perot company and private charter airline, are collaborating to deliver 30,000 toys and games, to families in need in Puerto Rico this week, just in time for the holidays.
The Hillwood Airways cargo plane filled with Hasbro toys and games will depart for its first flight the morning of Wednesday, December 20, from the Fort Worth Alliance Airport in Texas and arrive that evening at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico, just three miles southeast of San Juan. All toys and games will be unloaded before the plane departs to Miami to pick up more toys and games and then embarks on a second flight back to Puerto Rico on Thursday, December 21. Toys for Tots Marines and volunteers will be on the ground to receive the toys and games, and then distribute to nonprofit organizations throughout Puerto Rico in time for Christmas on December 25 and Three Kings Day on January 6.
“With Puerto Rico still recovering from the hurricane devastation, we knew there would be an even greater need for gifts this year. First, Hasbro stepped up to donate toys and games, then Hillwood Airways stepped up to donate cargo planes for transport. We’re so grateful to both organizations for helping to fulfill the holiday hopes and dreams of so many children this year,” said Lieutenant General H.P. Osman, USMC (Ret), President and CEO, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
A corporate partner for more than 20 years, Hasbro has helped to deliver more than 3.5 million toys and games nationwide to Toys for Tots. This year, 1.3 million toys and games are being donated to Toys for Tots through BE FEARLESS BE KIND, Hasbro’s signature philanthropic initiative designed to empower kids to have the compassion and courage to stand up for others, to be inclusive and to make a difference in the world. This donation to Puerto Rico is the result of the Kindness Rising campaign that called on kids to take the BE FEARLESS BE KIND Pledge. For every pledge made, Hasbro matched it with a toy or game donation to Toys for Tots to help children affected by recent natural disasters.
“Our purpose as a company is to make the world a better place for children and their families, and we are grateful for this opportunity to help make a difference for deserving families this holiday season,” said Brian Goldner, Chairman and CEO, Hasbro, Inc.
In past years, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has struggled to find cost efficient means of transportation to augment the Puerto Rico Toys for Tots campaign with additional toys as shipping becomes cost prohibitive. Hillwood Airways reached out to Toys for Tots with an offer to help this holiday season, and ultimately donated a cargo plane for the flights to Puerto Rico. Hillwood Airways also secured the assistance of Signature Flight Support to facilitate the second cargo loading effort in Miami, Florida.
“For all of us, this time of year serves as a reminder of what is truly important,” said Ross Perot Jr., chairman of Hillwood. “We are very thankful to be able to make a difference for the families and children in Puerto Rico, in hopes of making this holiday season a little brighter.”
Through the generosity of individuals, organizations and businesses, combined with a dedicated corps of over 35,000 volunteers across the country, Toys for Tots plays an active role in creating a more inclusive world and inspiring others to make a difference in their communities. With the holiday season rapidly approaching, families who struggle to make ends meet seek additional support to provide their children with a little joy during this special time of year.
Families or volunteers who have been impacted by Toys for Tots over the years are encouraged to share their stories at: stories.toysfortots.org.
About the Marine Toys for Tots Program
Toys for Tots, a 70-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during each Christmas holiday season. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Last year the Marine Toys for Tots Program fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 7 million less fortunate children in 792 communities nationwide. Since 1947 over 244 million children have been assisted. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not for profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.
About Hasbro
Hasbro is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World’s Best Play Experiences. From toys and games to television, movies, digital gaming and consumer products, Hasbro offers a variety of ways for audiences to experience its iconic brands, including NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, LITTLEST PET SHOP and MAGIC: THE GATHERING, as well as premier partner brands. Through Hasbro Studios and its film labels, Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation, the Company is building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Hasbro is committed to making the world a better place for children and their families through corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. Hasbro ranked No. 1 on the 2017 100 Best Corporate Citizens list by CR Magazine, and has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere Institute for the past six years. Learn more at www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro & @HasbroNews) and Instagram (@Hasbro).
About Hillwood Airways
Hillwood Airways, a Perot company, is a private charter airline for luxury domestic and international travel using its Next-Generation Boeing 737-700C series airliner. As a Part 121 Supplemental Air Carrier, it is committed to delivering best-in-class customer service for passenger and cargo charter air transportation services worldwide. Hillwood Airways operates out of the Fort Worth Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, Texas. To inquire about charter services, contact info@hillwoodairways.com or call 682-831-0055. For more information on Hillwood and AllianceTexas, visit Hillwood.com or AllianceTexas.com.
