For Immediate Release (en Español)

The Manny Mota International Foundation
Toy Storage Facility in the Dominican Republic burglarized

Founded in 1967 by Manny and Margarita Mota, the Manny Mota International Foundation was created to provide needed resources and assistance to the disadvantaged youth and their families within the United States and the Dominican Republic, this includes an annual toy drive. Each holiday season the Foundation provides countless amounts of toys, blankets, clothing, school supplies, food and household necessities to thousands of families in the Dominican Republic. Joy and happiness spill over the Dominican children each January 6 during the Foundation's annual toy giveaway. While the foundation makes considerable purchases for this event throughout the year, it also relies upon various toy companies throughout the United States whose gift donations ensure that, as many children as possible are recipients of this much-appreciated program.

This will not be the case this year if something isn't done real fast. The Manny Mota International Foundation storage facility was robbed a month away from its annual toy give-away. In October, upon Manny's return from Los Angeles to his homeland, the Dominican Republic, the foundation learned that the storage facility had been broken into. Sadly enough the unscrupulous individuals that committed the heartless offense took food that is used for its daily breakfast program, school supplies and the toys that had been donated to our foundation through its first Toy Drive last year in the United States. The toys were to be handed out on January 6th, "Three Kings Day". (Traditionally in Latin America, because of religious influence, toys are handed out on January 6th, "Three Kings Day") The occurrence took place in the town of Tamarindo, about 40 miles from Santo Domingo. The foundation employees discovered the loss during a routine inventory check. Mattel had donated some of the toys that were taken, among other items.

The Foundation is kindly asking for your support to collect toys for the children who for more than 30 years have benefited from generous donors who believe in our cause. Thanks to the generosity of American Airlines, the Manny Mota International Foundation is making arrangements to have one of its employees personally fly some of the toys donated by persons like you to the Dominican Republic. Please send your toy or cash contribution to the Manny Mota International Foundation, 1653 W. Colorado Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90041 or call (323) 255-6682 You may also fax your contribution with your credit card information to (323) 255-1098

The Manny Mota International Foundation greatly appreciates your kind consideration of our request and wishes your and your loved ones a blessed holiday season.

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