For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Justin Burke - 213.201.1525

EMAIL:jburke@apla.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 15, 1999

AIDS PROJECT LOS ANGELES HOSTING FIFTH ANNUAL TOY DRIVE
FOR CHILDREN AFFECTED BY AIDS

Los Angeles-- AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) is collecting toys for its Fifth Annual Holiday Toy Drive. The Toy Drive collects and distributes toys to families impacted by HIV/AIDS. Toys can be dropped off at APLA--1313 N. Vine St. in Hollywood. Please make sure that the donation is clearly marked indicating it is for the toy drive. For more information on how you can help, call the APLA Toyline at (323) 993-1342 or e-mail fionak@apla.org.

“The purpose of the toy drive is to bring smiles to parents and children who have to deal with this disease 365 days a year. We want to do our part in not only fulfilling children’s holiday wishes, but also in helping relieve the parents from having to provide gifts in what can be very hard financial times,” said Fiona Kyck, APLA’s Women’s Services Coordinator and toy drive organizer.

The Annual Holiday Toy Drive was formed by APLA staff who wanted to volunteer their time to help bring a child joy during the holiday season. Toys are being collected this year from individuals as well as schools, churches and community organizations. Many more donations are needed to ensure that all clients’ children will receive gifts. The toys should be new and not gift-wrapped for girls and boys up to the age of 16 (no toy guns or other violent type toys, please). Gift Certificates for clothing stores, movies/music and shoes are perfect gifts for teenagers. The toys will be distributed from Tuesday, December 21 until Friday, December 24. Last year’s toy drive distributed approximately 2,000 toys to children affected by AIDS.

AIDS Project Los Angeles is a non-profit, community-based organization that provides direct services to more than 8,000 men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles County. Services include a food bank, a dental clinic, child care, legal services, Child and Adult Buddy Programs, housing assistance and mental health counseling. APLA also provides prevention and treatment education in English and Spanish and advocates for effective legislation for people with HIV/AIDS on the local, state and federal levels.

Toy Drive Wish List

$15 - $20 Gift Certificates from Warehouse, Blockbuster, K-Mart, Target, Toys ‘R’ Us, Footlocker, Miller’s Outpost, Macy’s, Robinsons-May, JC Penneys’, Gap, Old Navy, Sport’s Chalet, Sears, The Body Shop, Bath and Body Works.

Educational toys for boys and girls of all ages.

Dolls and accessories, toy cars and action figures.

Electronics, headphones, video and computer games.

Board games, sports equipment, arts and crafts materials and books.

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