Mockingbird Station promotes Toys for Tots “Get Gifted” campaign

by PegNews wire

Everybody likes Toys for Tots. It's a no-brainer, really: you donate a toy and a deserving kid ends up having a happier Christmas. Case closed.

"When you can snatch the toy from my hand, it will be time for you to leave."

O.K., one possible difficulty: you have to actually transport your toy to a dropoff location so the volunteers can pass it along to the distribution center, which means an inconvenient stop to add to your busy driving agenda.

But not so fast: there's a way to combine your feel-good/do good philanthropy with multi-purposing convenience, assuming you have business to conduct at Mockingbird Station - such as seeing a movie, shopping in a trendy clothing establishment or grabbing a bite of designer taco lunch. Read on:

DALLAS (Oct. 29, 2008) – Mockingbird Station, the pioneer of mixed-use, transit-oriented developments in North Texas, is inviting the community to “Get Gifted at the Station” as the property debuts an enhanced slate of holiday activities with corresponding Toys for Tots drive.

Kicking off Monday, Nov. 3, the Station will reintroduce “Hot Holiday Happenings,” a series of unique promotions and fun events open to the public every weeknight, 5 - 9 p.m., from Nov. 3 until Dec. 19 (excluding Thanksgiving). Monday “Family Night” will begin the celebration with special offers for families at participating restaurants followed by a free outdoor screening of family films, hosted by the Angelika Film Center & Café.

In addition to themed activities during the week, Mockingbird Station will be supporting the DFW chapter of Toys for Tots again this year by hosting a toy drive, Nov. 3 through Dec. 8. Guests may drop off new, unwrapped toys at either the Angelika Film Center or Urban Taco. In return for their donation, each will receive a gift from the Station as a thank-you for supporting local children in need this holiday season.

Culminating the toy drive, Mockingbird Station will be hosting DFW Toys for Tots’ annual “Family Sponsor Night” on Monday, Dec. 8, coinciding with Family Night. At this invitation-only event, local children, their families, and charity organizations will converge on the Station to enjoy food, catered by Mockingbird Station restaurants, as well as celebrity Santas on hand to pass out toys to the kids. Dallas and Metro Foam Recycling also will be on hand to impart an environmental message, and haul away the wrapping and packaging materials for recycling. Following this party, the Angelika will hold a free, private screening of Overture Films’ new holiday movie, Nothing Like the Holidays.

“Given the overwhelming success of our world record toy drive last year, we couldn’t be happier to team up with Toys for Tots again this holiday season,” said Pam Baker, general manager of Mockingbird Station. “‘Get Gifted’ dovetails so nicely with Toys for Tots’ mission to bring cheer to needy children in our community, so a continued partnership couldn’t be more welcome.”

“We’re grateful for the support of partners like Mockingbird Station,” said Major General USMC (retired) William Gossell, DFW Toys for Tots’ primary civilian liaison. “’Family Sponsor Night’ is the highlight of our holiday campaign every year, and the Station is a great place to have it.”

“Hot Holiday Happenings” details:

• Weekdays, “Get Wrapped @ the Station” (Monday-Friday, 5-8 p.m.) – Shop around and take advantage of Paperie & Co.’s free gift wrapping of any merchandise purchased at Mockingbird Station (with receipt).

• Monday, “Family Night @ the Station” (every Monday, 11/3-12/15) – Choose from a variety of casual dining options, with special offers for children and parents beginning at 5 p.m. at participating restaurants. A free outdoor screening of family films, hosted by the Angelika Film Center & Café, starts at 7 p.m. on the mezzanine level across from the theater.

• Tuesday, “Foodie Night @ the Station” (every Tuesday, 11/4-12/16) – Learn to cook like a real chef for holiday soirées by visiting a featured Mockingbird Station eatery each week. Enjoy interactive demonstrations at 6 p.m. (making a popular entrée or appetizer) and 8 p.m. (spotlighting a signature drink or cocktail), while taking advantage of special offers at the featured restaurant.

• Wednesday, “Deals & Discounts Night @ the Station” (every Wednesday, 11/5-12/17) – Save time and money with one-stop holiday shopping beginning at 5 p.m., when consumers can reap substantial savings from a host of participating retailers, while finding gifts for just about everyone on their list.

• Thursday, “Live Music @ the Station” (every Thursday—not including Thanksgiving, 11/6-12/18) – Enjoy happy hour specials at participating Mockingbird Station restaurants from 5-7 p.m.; then at 7 p.m., groove to an eclectic mix of sounds—ranging from local bands and jazz quartets to community choirs and holiday carolers.

• Friday, “Date Night @ the Station” (every Friday, 11/7-12/19) – Romance is in the air beginning at 5 p.m. with participating restaurants offering couples dining discounts. Plus, the Angelika Film Center is hosting a free outdoor screening of favorite holiday and romantic movies at 7 p.m. on the Station’s mezzanine level.

• Daily (Friday, 5 p.m. - 12 a.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. -12 a.m.; and Sunday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.) – Free valet parking for Mockingbird Station guests.

For more information on “Get Gifted at the Station,” including a full calendar of events, complete list of participating shops and restaurants, and roster of holiday discounts and special offers, visit www.mockingbirdstation.com. To learn about local volunteer opportunities with Toys for Tots, visit www.dfwtoysfortots.com.

posted by JM