Annual Toy Drive for Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles

December 1 thru December 21

The spate of toy recalls currently sweeping the U.S. has impacted more than retail shelves and children's toy chests. At the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles , where for years, every patient and his or her sibling or relative has received a new toy, supplies have taken a major hit. Maui Wowi Hawaiian wants to help—and is asking for the public to join in.

The 14 Los Angeles county locations of Maui Wowi Hawaiian , the premier destination for authentic Hawaiian products on the Mainland, has begun a toy drive and fundraiser to benefit the Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles. Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies' effort is focused on replacing the toy reserves that have been depleted due to recent recalls, with the goal of restoring supplies in time for the holiday season.

Grand Opening Events

Topping the list of events benefiting the drive are the Grand Opening celebrations for six (6) new Maui Wowi Hawaiian locations in the month of December. Each grand opening will feature prize drawings such as Ipods Nano, Shuffles, Touch and/or IPhones; to register for the giveaways, the public is encouraged to bring in a new toy for donation during the store's grand opening. Purchases in any amount will also qualify for registration or stop in to register at any of the participating locations.

“Maui Wowi is committed to the Los Angeles community. During the holiday season, children spending time at the Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles can especially benefit from a toy that will brighten their spirits and improve their outlook,” Rick Kotikian, Director of Regional Support of Maui Wowi Hawaiian. “We can't think of a better way to celebrate the season than to bring a smile to the face of a sick or injured child. We hope the public will join us in making this drive a huge success.”

Your fundraising support through Maui Wowi Hawaiian will in turn help the underserved children and youth in Los Angeles . With your help and ours, Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles can continue to improve the health and well-being of the youngest and most vulnerable members of our community.

Donate a Toy Until December 21 st
Beyond its string of local Grand Opening celebrations, Maui Wowi Hawaiian is encouraging the public to bring in one or more new and unwrapped toys to any of its 14 Los Angeles County locations for donation to Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles. Click here for more details on Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles Suggested Toy List .

Schools, Clubs, Scouts and Local Businesses Can Help
Schools and other organizations can team up with Maui Wowi Hawaiian to help spread the word of the Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles toy drive. Ways to help include:

• Promote the cause within your own school or organization.
• Collect toys from fellow students or members and make a bulk donation at any Los Angeles County Maui Wowi Hawaiian location. Contact Rick Kotikian at BeHealthy@ilovesmoothies.com for more details.
• Help sell/purchase Maui Wowi pre-paid Rewards Cards (a portion of the proceeds from each sale goes directly to Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles). (At participating locations only).
• Conduct a fundraiser for your organization or school during the holidays at any participating Maui Wowi Hawaiian location.

About Maui Wowi Hawaiian
Maui Wowi Hawaiian is the only franchise that offers authentic, natural Hawaiian products, fresh-fruit smoothies, blended Hawaiian coffee beverages, and genuine Hawaiian lifestyle stuff. Founded in 1983, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has experienced meteoric growth to include nearly 500 franchised units in its worldwide franchise ohana , or family. This earth-friendly company celebrates its Aloha Spirit by embracing the values of family, harmony and balanced living while striving to abide by the principles of sustainable living. For more information, please visit www.mauiwowi.com .

Be a “Banana Booster” and Stay in Touch
Maui Wowi Hawaiian encourages everyone to add their support to the Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles Toy Drive by becoming a “Banana Booster”. As a “Banana Booster”, you will receive updates on future fundraisers for Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles as well as Maui Wowi special offers.

For Media and Community Relations, contact Rick Kotikian at 877-wowi-LA-5 or email Rick@TwoGuysFromLA.com