Sandals Foundation and Hasbro Gift Over 16,000 Toys in Annual Holiday Distribution

The Sandals Foundation and Hasbro came together once again this Holiday Season for their annual toy distribution, making the most wonderful time of the year for 16,000 children across the Caribbean even brighter.

In a series of enchanting events held at various schools last week, team-members of Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa delivered over 1,000 toys, ensuring that countless children would experience the magic of Christmas this year.

At the heart of this year’s outreach, several schools, including the Adele School, Potter’s Primary School, Cedar Grove Primary School, and JT Ambrose Primary School experienced the excitement on the first day of distribution.

Students at these participating schools were greeted with toys, sweet treats, and a vibrant atmosphere filled with songs and dancing led by the Sandals team. The smiles on the young faces reflected the essence of the season— giving and joy throughout the week-long event.

The celebration didn’t stop on day one, as the Sandals team continued their mission, bringing gifts to Villa Primary, Charlesworth T. Samuel Primary, Seaview Farm Primary, and Pares Primary schools on day two.

“Each school experienced its unique celebration, complete with laughter, games, and the spirit of community, Sandals Public Relations Manager Leon Norville shared.

The Five Islands Primary School welcomed the Sandals team during the week long event, followed by Greenbay Primary School and New Winthorps Primary School, who also received their share of the festivities on days three and four respectively.

Longtime partner of the Sandals Foundation – the Social Services Division and the Children’s Ward at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Center also received gifts, ensuring that those in need of a little extra cheer this season felt the warmth of the holiday spirit.

Sandals General Manager David Latchimy who experienced the excitement of this year’s event at the Five Island’s Primary School said, “This initiative is a testament to Sandals’ commitment to giving back to the communities in which they operate. By bringing together team members and local children, we are not only able to deliver toys but also created cherished memories that will last a lifetime.”

Ackela Browne, Special Needs teacher at the Seaview Farm primary School said, “As the year come to a close, it is heartening to witness organizations like Sandals making a tangible difference in the lives of children and families throughout Antigua. Their efforts embody the true spirit of the holiday season—one of kindness, generosity, and community.”

Since 2011, the Sandals Foundation has partnered with United States based toy company, Hasbro, to mobilize hundreds of helpers who volunteer to spread the joy, going into schools and local communities with toys and games to kick off the holiday season. 

Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Foundation, expressed gratitude for the partnership with Hasbro, highlighting the program’s broader mission. “The holiday season is a time for giving and sharing, and even more a time to inspire hope. We are incredibly grateful to be able to partner with Hasbro to bring joy to children in a way that lets them know they are being thought of,” she stated.

This alliance not only reflects corporate social responsibility but showcases the impact that can be achieved when businesses come together to make a difference in their communities.

The annual Holiday Toy Distribution has become a tradition for children in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, Grenada, Barbados, Curacao and now expands to its newest home, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 

The festive event takes place during the last week of school in Antigua and targets just about 2000 children annually. 

The Sandals team is set to make a special appearance in local communities on Christmas Day to round off the final leg of their toy distribution festivities with some seven hundred gifts.