Ayuda Starts Christmas Toy Drive for Children of Typhoon-Struck CNMI

​The Ayuda Foundation has started a Christmas toy drive for the children of the supertyphoon-stricken Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The foundation started the toy drive because of the realization that our suffering brothers and sisters in the north will be having a very difficult holiday season ahead with many areas still without power and many people without jobs and sources of revenue due to the impact of Supertyphoon Yutu.

“We came out with the idea for a toy drive because many of our families, friends, and neighbors in the CNMI are not just struggling to meet the demands of day-to-day life due to the lingering effects of Supertyphoon Yutu, but also struggling financially and logistically with how they might provide a gift or two for their children on Christmas Day,” said Ayuda board member Frank Blas Jr.

“If you contribute to the Ayuda Foundation Christmas toy drive, many children in the CNMI will find a gift waiting under their Christmas tree this year,” Blas added.

Among the most vulnerable victims of Supertyphoon in the CNMI are the children who not only lost many of their possessions (including toys) but also face the prospect of a bleak Christmas due to the damage wrought by Supertyphoon Yutu.

“Every child deserves to experience the joy of Christmas morning. The smile of a child is priceless which comes with precious and unforgettable memories. Let us help Supertyphoon Yutu affected pre-school and elementary children celebrate Christmas by donating brand new toys to the Ayuda Foundation’s CNMI Christmas toy drive,” said Sen. James V. Espaldon, another Ayuda board member.

Toy donations can be dropped off at all BankPacific branches, Island Girl Power (Dededo) or at the Ayuda Foundation office at Suite 207, Carl Rose Building, 181 East Marine Corps Drive in Agana.

Call the Ayuda Foundation at (671) 473-3003 for more information.