Birthday Bags 4 Kids Holds Spring Toy Drive April 1-30, 2012

Redlands, CA: Birthday Bags 4 Kids, a local non-profit 501C3 charity serving the Inland Empire, is accepting toy donations for its Spring Toy Drive, to be held April 1-30, 2012.

“Birthdays happen all year long and for the more than 60 birthday bags we provide each month it can be a challenge making sure we have enough to go around.” said Julie Farquhar, President and CEO for Birthday Bags 4 Kids. “Resources are low and the need continues to grow. We are continuously seeking donations for toys/items/supplies to fill our birthday bags so we can help brighten the birthdays of deserving children throughout the Inland Empire. We are in need of new, unwrapped toys for kids ages 1-18, in particular the need is greater for toddlers and teenagers. We are also accepting monetary donations and gift cards so we can purchase needed items.”

Toys are being collected at several Redlands locations including the Birthday Bags 4 Kids Warehouse at 1200 Arizona Street, Unit B5 in Redlands. The warehouse is located in the 2nd row of buildings behind Denny’s and U-Haul. The warehouse is open Wednesdays from 9 am – 2 pm.

“We are so excited about our Spring Toy Drive,” said Farquhar. “Toys collected will we used to assemble birthday gift bags that will help create Happy Birthday memories for more underprivileged children and their parents right here in the Inland Empire.” Suggestions include board games, art supplies, puzzles, stuffed animals, books, sports equipment, bubbles, coloring books and crayons, cars, dolls, gift cards, movie tickets, school supplies, etc.

Who: Birthday Bags 4 Kids

What: Spring Toy Drive

Where: Several local businesses (view list on www.birthdaybags4kids.org)

When: April 1-30, 2012

Donations: New, unwrapped toys are needed for ages 1-18 years.

Toy Collection Locations:

· Bank of America 305 E. State Street

· Coffee Bean & Tea, 528 Orange St.

· Redlands Fire Admin, 35 Cajon St. #12 (Mon-Thurs 7:30 am -5:30 pm)

· Redlands Fire Station #261, 525 E. Citrus

· Redlands Fire Station #262, 1690 Garden

· Redlands Fire Station #263, 10 W. Pennsylvania

· Redlands Fire Station #264, 1270 W. Park Ave.

· Redlands Police Department, 1270 W. Park Ave.

· World Discovery Toy Store, 1448 Industrial Park Ave.

· Additional locations will be added

Why: Toys collected will benefit Birthday Bags 4 Kids and their mission of providing underprivileged children and their parents with a memorable Happy Birthday.

Birthday Bags 4 Kids is a 501c3 Charity that provides birthday gifts and parties to underprivileged children and their parents. Working with social service agencies throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, BB4K provides a Birthday Gift Bag for the birthday child and a Birthday Party bag for the parent that includes cake mix, frosting, party decorations, paper goods and utensils.

The BB4K Mission is to provide a birthday gift bag to underprivileged children. BB4K believes in the importance of a child’s birthday and works to help parents provide a celebration of their children’s lives. By providing the opportunity to celebrate a birthday, a sense of normalcy and a great memory is created for the Birthday child and their parents. Recognition of landmark events such as a child’s birthday helps restore self-worth and hope to parents who are struggling during difficult times. Every child deserves a Happy Birthday.”

BB4K provides more than 60 Birthday Gift and Party bags per month. BB4K also partners with social service agencies that provide monthly birthday parties for their clients, such as

· Family Service Association of Redlands

· Inland Temporary Homes

· Childhelp USA

· Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County, Family Development Program

· AspiraNET Foster and Family Services

· Micah Houses

· House of Angels

· Valley Oaks Foster Agency

· Trinity Youth Services

For more information about Birthday Bags 4 Kids and their Spring Toy Drive, visit them on the web at http://www.birthdaybags4kids.org or call Julie Farquhar at (909) 583-7910