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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (OAPIA) held its annual “Share a Smile, Give a Toy” Toy Giveaway and Year-End Celebration on December 12, 2013 at the Old Council Chambers of One Judiciary Square.
For the past seven years, OAPIA has collected and distributed 2000 toys to over 1800 District children. Toys are donated from local community members, community based organizations, and District government employees for children from infancy to 15 years of age. Activities for children at the event included storytelling from Santa, balloon making, face painting, and cultural performances.
“The best part was the face painting,” said Rachel Lee, one of the 210 children in attendance.
In addition, OAPIA Director Soohyun “Julie” Koo recognized and honored Hien Vu, the Founder and President of the Vietnamese American Community Service Center (VACSC), for all her hard work in the Vietnamese American community in the District. City Administrator Allen Lew, on behalf of Mayor Vincent C. Gray, presented the Mayor’s Certificate of Appreciation to Mrs. Vu.
VACSC offered academic and recreational enrichment for children through afterschool programs, provided cultural, educational, and other programs, and promoted cultural heritage, to enhance the quality of life for all Vietnamese American residents in the District of Columbia. Hien helped serve the Vietnamese American community through VACSC in the District of Columbia for over nine years. VACSC closed on September 30, 2013.
“OAPIA’s toy giveaway event helps make the holiday season special for our Asian American and Pacific Islander families,” said Hien Vu. “I am always glad to see our community come together for a great cause and to share the holiday spirit with children who are less fortunate. I am also very thankful for all the fond memories over the years and for those who have touched my life, especially for those who have made Thursday night memorable.”
Toys were given out to children who had registered in advance. In addition to toys, kids were treated to face painting and a performance by Brian Kim, second place winner at Kollaboration DC this year. Youth from the Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company were among several people who volunteered at the event. “It was a wonderful event which assisted many young people and their families at the holidays to have a celebratory moment. Our youth program loved volunteering and participating in this community event,” said Dana Tai Soon Burgess, the Executive Director of the company.
