Toys 'R' Us and Operation Santa Claus help kids with empty stockings
Toys 'R' Us staff are in their busy season, but have still managed to join the charity drive with candy cards and other donation initiatives
Christmas is a hectic time for staff at Toys 'R' Us. Decorations must go up and shelves are stocked with all the hottest new seasonal toys - and that's before the patter of hundreds of little feet as children bustle into the store to pick out what they hope Santa will bring them.
But the staff are not so busy they ignore those not fortunate enough to be receiving generous gifts. This year, they are combining keeping their customers merry with raising funds for Operation Santa Claus, the annual charity drive that will benefit 20 good causes in Hong Kong and on the mainland this year.
"Christmas is a very important time for giving and nothing could be closer to our hearts, being the world's biggest toy retailer," said Jo Hall, regional manager for Toys 'R' Us, which has 15 stores across the city. "Giving toys to children at Christmas puts smiles on faces and brings much family happiness. We want to spread the goodwill as wide as we can and believe Operation Santa Claus offers the best reach across Hong Kong," added Hall, who is from Britain.
The stores will be helping out in several ways. First, customers taking advantage of the free gift-wrapping service in stores will be encouraged to show their gratitude by making a donation.
Customers will also be able to pick up special Operation Santa Claus Christmas Wish Cards, at HK$5 each - an initiative that could generate up to HK$70,000. Messages encouraging shoppers to donate will also be broadcast in stores and on the company's social media sites.