MAREI KICKS OFF ITS ANNUAL HOLIDAY FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN TO BENEFIT THE MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS FOUNDATION
WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 24, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Mid-America Association of Real Estate Investor’s announced the launch of its annual metrowide fundraising campaign to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in the Kansas City Area. Now through Tuesday, December 8, member’s and guests can spread holiday joy to some of the 15.5 million U.S. children living in poverty by donating new, unwrapped toys at the Holiday Inn & Suites at 8787 Reeder Road in Overland Park Kansas or bring a toy to the monthly Meeting. Cash donations can be made online at http://www.MAREI.org/ToysforTots. The company will also collect monetary donations at the meeting and online through Christmas Eve.
This is the second annual Toys for Tots fund raiser. The first in 2014 saw the group collecting 3 huge boxes of toys and gift certificates as well as a few monetary donations. The company encourages patrons to donate to Toys for Tots through the companies fund raiser or at any place where you see a box located. Throughout the campaign, MAREI also invites social media users to #PlayItForward along with MAREI, Toys”R”Us and NBA Legend, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Shaquille O’Neal in his alter ego Shaq-A-Claus. #PlayItForward is an initiative designed to further spread awareness of the millions of children living in poverty and to inspire families to donate to the cause.
“Making wishes come true around the holidays is especially important to me, as I know how much one toy and one act of kindness can matter. When I was a kid, I was given my very own Dr. J autographed basketball, inspiring me to believe I could grow up to be a basketball star,” said Shaquille O’Neal. “For years, I would shop for presents at Toys“R”Us and distribute them to underprivileged children on Christmas morning. Now, in partnership with Toys“R”Us and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, I’m making it my mission as Shaq-A-Claus to give back and spread holiday cheer to the millions of needy kids in the U.S. I encourage everyone to join me this year and remember – every toy counts!”
And, Shaquille will make it even easier for Twitter followers to give the gift of play to kids in need this holiday season with a special tweet on #GivingTuesday. For every retweet of Shaquille’s #PlayItForward tweet on December 1, the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund will donate one toy to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, up to $125,000 worth of toys.
What is on every child’s wishlist? Remember children range in age from newborn to teens. Some suggestions Playmats, Crib Toys, Interactive Toys, Plush Toys, Early Development Toys, Baby Sheets, Baby Blankets, Baby Gift Sets, Action Figures, Educational Toys, Building Blocks, Cars, Legos, Dress Up Sets, Back Packs, School Supplies, Sporting Equipment, Musical Instruments, Electronic Games, Kitchen Playsets, Dolls, Makeup Sets or even Cash or Gift Certificates.
Charitable Giving at MAREI The philanthropic mission of Mid-America Association of Real Estate Investors is to help local children in times of need. We collect funds and food in the summer and funds and toys at Christmas Times. MAREI and the membership contribute $1000’s annually to various local charities. We hope you will join us on December 8th or otherwise with a donation or at minimum look for Shaquille’s #PlayItForward tweet on December 1st and retweet so Toys”R”Us will donate another toy.
