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Hyatt steps up to the plate with toy donation
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Posted on Dec 22 2011
By Clarissa David
Reporter
Reporter
Children under the care of Karidat’s Guma Esperanza, the CNMI’s shelter for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, will benefit from about 70 toys that Hyatt Regency Saipan employees donated for the Toys for Tots program.
Hyatt general manager Nick Nishikawa led staffers in presenting the wrapped toys to Karidat executive director Angie Guerrero, shelter manager Lauri Ogumoro, and other Karidat staff in a brief ceremony at the hotel lobby yesterday.
“It is in opening each gift that we send joy to each child that benefits from this toy drive. I want to take this opportunity to thank each Hyatt associate that showed overwhelming support toward this worthwhile cause,” said Nishikawa.
Children who have been served or are still being sheltered at the Guma Experanza this year range in ages from a few months to 17 years old.
“This is such a wonderful gift to the children and families served by Guma Esperanza,” Ogumoro said, adding that Hyatt has been a strong supporter of their toy drive. “We’re blessed by this strong relationship with Hyatt.”
According to Ogumoro, the gifts will be presented to the children’s parents today, giving these parents the opportunity to personally hand them to their children. She said they will host a gathering for the families at the shelter on Friday so they can celebrate the holidays.
“We wish for an island free of domestic violence. May God bless us all in that endeavor,” said Ogumoro.
Karidat’s Guerrero thanked the Hyatt “for their thoughtfulness in coming up with this toy drive.”
Guerrero pointed out that the toy drive also was an opportunity for Hyatt employees to teach their children and grandchildren about generosity, especially to those who are less fortunate. “That’s a very valuable lesson to learn from an early age.”
Guerrero is pleased that children at the shelter will be opening presents on Christmas and have something to be happy about. “Despite the economy being so hard, people still have the desire to care and share with other people.”
