WESTPORT, Conn., Nov. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Al's Angels, a non-profit charitable organization founded by Westport, CT resident and CEO of Optimus Publishing Al DiGuido, announced today that the organization is launching a major effort to help children within the age range of newborn to 10 years old that have been impacted by the effects of Hurricane Sandy.

The mission of Al's Angels has always been to provide holiday meals and gifts to children and families battling cancer, rare blood diseases and severe financial hardship.  Having witnessed the devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy on thousands of children within the tri-state area, the organization is expanding its mission to provide toys and gifts to children in the impacted areas during the holiday season.

Those wanting to contribute to the Al's Angels Hurricane Sandy Toy Drive have a number of ways to contribute to this worthy cause. Al's Angels will begin collecting toys for children ages newborn to 10 years old on the weekend of November 24-25. The organization will be present at Santa's Workshop located at 1175 Post Road in Westport (opposite Greens Farms School)  from 9 AM-5 PM.  The workshop is accessible via elevator to the second floor at the rear of the building.

For any person that would rather make a financial contribution towards the purchase of toy for a needy child; donations to the Toy Drive can be made through the Al's Angels website (www.alsangels.org ) . Simply click on the "Donate" button and find the Hurricane Sandy Toy Drive in the drop down menu and follow the instructions to make your donation. 100 percent of the dollars donated will be used to purchase toys for children. If you would rather make your contribution via  check and/or ship toys to Al's Angels, please send to Al's Angels – 342 Greens Farms Road, Westport , CT 06880

Information regarding Al's Angels Hurricane Sandy Toy Drive

• When November 24th  - 25th (note: event is taking place on these dates, however toys and donations for the cause will be accepted through December  23rd)
• Where – Santa's Workshop – 1175 Post Road, Westport, CT – Opposite Crate & Barrel – 2^nd Floor
• WE NEED – Unwrapped toys for children ages newborn – 10 years old
• Make a Contribution – Go to www.alsangels.org – Make a Hurricane Sandy Toy Drive donation
• By Check – Send to Al's Angels – 342 Greens Farms Road ,Westport, CT 06880
• Ship Toys  - Al's Angels 342 Greens Farms Road, Westport, CT 06880

Al's Angels is in the midst of its 2012 Holiday Outreach, where it provided more than 3000 families in the tri-state area with Thanksgiving , Hanukkah & Christmas meals. Santa and Frosty visited 12 different venues in the region and distributed nearly 5,000 gifts to children and families battling cancer, rare blood diseases and severe financial hardship.

The Angels continue to work very closely with a quality network of partners on many of their initiatives, including Tomorrow's Childrens Fund, St. Barnabas Hospital, Union Community Health Center, CLASP Homes, Mercy Learning Center , Columbia Presbyterian, Saint Christopher Ottille and others.

"At Al's Angels we have always been focused on helping children in desperate need," said Al's Angels founder Al DiGuido. "The recent Hurricane has devastated so many children and families in our area. As we move towards the holiday season, we cannot sit by and watch this level of suffering from so many in our area. Our Holiday Drive is an effort to help repair the fragile hearts and spirits of the youngest in our communities. We are focused on returning to them the toys that they have cherished during their lives.  We have no greater mission that to ease the suffering of others."

The work of Al's Angels continues to draw tremendous attention and acceptance in the tri-state area. The group currently has over 1,000 members who take an active part in the fund raising, meal assembly, gift wrapping and delivery.  The organization holds a series of fund raisers throughout the year to provide it with the necessary funds to continue to expand its work reaching those who are suffering "under the radar" as found Al DiGuido often reminds donors.

ABOUT AL'S ANGELS

Al's Angels was founded by Westport, CT resident Al DiGuido in 2004 as a non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to provide assistance to children and families suffering hardship due to life-threatening illnesses or poverty.  Al's Angels not only distributes meals and gifts for needy families, but also sponsors fundraising events and activities for affiliated churches and social service groups, provides them with fundraising support and works to encourage greater public giving.

SOURCE Al’s Angels