PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- May 8, 2003 -- Hasbro, Inc. announced today that with the help of World Vision, one of the world's largest international relief agencies, it is donating over 25,000 toys to be used in schools in Iraq.
The donations, which include Games, Puzzles, NERF, PLAY-DOH, SIT & SPIN and KOOSH products, among others, were identified by those involved in working with the school children. The product will be distributed to local schools and will be used to assist with the children's sensory and cognitive development.
World Vision will coordinate local distribution to ensure that the toys and games reach the children in Iraq.
"We are pleased to be able to make this donation to support the schools, and more specifically, the children in Iraq," said Hasbro Chairman and CEO Alan Hassenfeld. "These children have been through so much, we are honored to help in some way to facilitate their development and to provide some much needed joy."
"Half of Iraq's population is younger than 18. This generation of 13 million children has seen little but war and privation," said Richard E. Stearns, President of World Vision. "These toys are not just for play. They will play an invaluable role in helping thousands of children reclaim their childhoods."
"Our friends at World Vision have been wonderful partners in helping us to provide the appropriate product in a variety of disaster situations; this is one more example of their good work in the field," said Karen Davis, Director of the Hasbro Charitable Trust.
Hasbro has partnered with World Vision to provide product to children affected by natural disasters and war. In addition, through the World Vision partnership, Hasbro selects a country each year and provides toys to orphans and other needy children. World Vision and Hasbro have also partnered to provide toys to children in need throughout the United States.
Founded in 1950, World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization, serving the world's poorest children and families in nearly 100 countries.
Hasbro is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.
