Kids Wish Network brings “Miles of Smiles” to Brownfield - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

From Kids Wish Network:

BROWNFIELD, TX – With help from city and county officials as well as sponsors from all over the country, Kids Wish Network On Tour brought new toys, clothes, educational products, baby items and other necessities to the children of Brownfield and surrounding cities. Kids Wish Network On Tour was a tremendous success for everyone involved, especially for over 2,400 children in attendance who have dealt with harsh adversities such as poverty, neglect, homelessness, abuse or illnesses.

With smiles on their faces and excitement in their eyes, children of all ages lit up as their local police officers, firefighters and city officials handed them bags overflowing with all sorts of toys, games and other necessities during the Kids Wish Network On Tour event over the weekend.

Hosted by Mayor Bob Simpson and the City of Brownfield, Kids Wish Network On Tour was created by international children's charity Kids Wish Network to bring "miles of smiles" to at-risk children by sending donations of toys and necessities into the hearts of their hometowns. Through the assistance of Megatrux, Inc., a semi-truck loaded with these necessities drove to Oak Grove Elementary School, where it was unloaded and set up for the big event by local volunteers from Brownfield.

"The community spirit in Brownfield was amazing," said Kids Wish Network Programs Coordinator, Evy Acosta. "Everyone really pulled together to support this great On Tour event and it couldn't have gone any better. It was wonderful."

As the event opened, over 2,400 children and their families flooded the area and waited patiently in lines wrapped around the buildings. For more than four hours, city officials, police officers and firefighters all worked nonstop to make sure that each and every child received the toys and necessities they so deserved.

"We were astounded by the great support of the Brownfield community, from the city council and chamber to the police and fire departments" said Kids Wish Network's Executive Director, Anna Lanzatella. "That famous Texas hospitality was very evident in Brownfield. Everyone worked so well together to provide assistance to children who needed so much and yet were so happy to receive even the smallest toy; they were overwhelmed with joy at receiving bags full of gifts!"

Thanks to Kids Wish Network On Tour and the remarkable community spirit that thrives in Brownfield, the children of Texas are now beaming with smiles that are certain to stay. For Mayor Bob Simpson of Brownfield, the On Tour event brought out a community-wide sense of exhilaration and achievement that will live on well past the event itself:

"What an event!  Joy could be seen on the faces of our children as they were presented with gifts, but this did not match the joy of the volunteers as they watched these children.  Thank you [Kids Wish Network] for the hope and joy you bring to cities across our great country… may you receive as many blessings as you bring to the cities and towns your Tour touches."