‘Tis The Season: Sandals Foundation and Hasbro Gift Over 16,000 Toys in Annual Holiday Distribution

MEDIA RELEASE

Jason Devilmar with his toys

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands,  – The Sandals Foundation and Hasbro have come together once again this Holiday Season for their annual toy distribution, making the most wonderful time of the year for 16,000 children across the Caribbean even brighter.

Since 2011, the Sandals Foundation has partnered with United States based toy company, Hasbro, to mobilize hundreds of helpers who volunteer to spread the joy, going into schools and local communities with toys and games to kick off the holiday season.

“The holiday season is a time for giving and sharing, and even more a time to inspire hope. We are incredibly grateful to be able to partner with Hasbro to bring joy to children in a way that lets them know they are being thought of,” says Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Foundation.

On Thursday December 19, the magic of the season came alive at the to kick basketball court in the Lower Bight community, the Gracebay police area and the Chalk Sound community as Beaches Turks and Caicos resort team members served over 600 children in an afternoon filled with games, food and play.

The donations continued at the Enid Capron Primary school on Monday December 23 as children were presented with toys.

SF Christmas Community Treat SF team members

Djoulia Carly Loius Vlisaint, a grade two student shared, “this gift was very good for me. I now have my own My Little Pony to play with for the Christmas and the New Year. I can play with it with my friends at home. Thank you to the Sandals Foundation and Beaches Turks and Caicos for always remembering us for our Christmas gifts.”

Inspector Kevin Clarke from the Gracebay Police Station while responding to the gifts shared with members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) acknowledged the value of the partnership. “Today the children of police officers are happier knowing that they were recognised by the Sandals Foundation team during its annual Christmas toys giveaways. We appreciate the recognition placed in ensuring that the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort and the RTCIPF continue to celebrate a healthy partnership by including children of our members in the celebrations for this season,” Clarke noted.

PR Coordinator Emma hands a toy to a student

Children from the Five Cays community also expressed joy when they received their gifts. Jason Devilmar while hugging his gift close to his body shared, “this gift is the best that I have ever received. This is going to be a very happy Christmas. This Power Rangers Lightening Collection from Hasbro and Sandals Foundation makes me happy. My parents will not need to buy any other gift for me this year.”

Managing Director James McAnally shared, “the commitment of the Sandals Foundation volunteers must be commended as the team braved the weather conditions in order to ensure that the children received their gifts. The forecast had intermittent showers but that did not deter the team from celebrating with Sesame Street characters and the children from communities close to the resort.”

The annual Holiday Toy Distribution has become a tradition for children in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, Grenada, Barbados, Curacao and now expands to its newest home, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

SF Christmas Community Treat Elmo with child