From Santa hand-delivering new toys to wide-eyed children at schools to treating and serving staffers at PMH Oncology Centre lunch, Sandals team members this week wrapped up months of making life brighter for hundreds throughout The Bahamas.

The up-close-and-personal giving experiences were a combined initiative between the Sandals Foundation, its international toy company partners Hasbro Inc., and Sandals Royal Bahamian.

“While the Sandals Foundation strives daily to contribute in meaningful ways to communities where we have a presence, we responded with intense fervor in Haiti and The Bahamas after the passage of Hurricane Matthew,” said Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman and CEO of Sandals Resorts International and President of the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the award-winning hospitality brand.

Stewart says economic challenges that make it hard for corporations to succeed are even harder on communities.

“If times are tough for us, what chance do our communities stand? Our dedication to being the good neighbours and citizens we believe is our duty to be, does not waiver or falter when times are tough or not. We have stood side by side with our extended families – our communities.”

In The Bahamas, the Sandals Foundation teamed with Kamalame Cay to coordinate donation of goods and supplies throughout Andros after the Category 4 storm battered the island. The Foundation donated $20,000 to HeadKnowles to assist with funding for flights to North Andros and Grand Bahama to deliver badly-needed supplies. Water, canned goods, candles, baby formula and more poured in as part of the relief effort supported by the Foundation and the organisations it partnered with.

“It was fantastic to spend time with the children of Elizabeth Estates and HeadKnowles,” said Lazar Charlton, Public Relations Manager. “It was good to see such a large number of Sandals team members taking part in Sandals Foundation activities in the community.”

Earlier this month, CMT teamed with Sandals Royal Bahamian and the Sandals Foundation for country music concerts with a cause, raising more than $7,400.

Sandals Foundation has embraced the PACE programme, allowing teen mothers to continue their education and develop skills for a productive future. Formed in 2009, the Foundation has donated more than $8 million in less than a decade.

As the holidays near, team members from Sandals Royal Bahamian, recently named the world’s leading all-inclusive hotel by World Travel Awards, turned their focus to the students of Sandilands Primary School and Gambier Primary Schools.

Sandals staff, led by general manager, Gary Williams who dressed up as Santa Claus, distributed gifts to the students of Gambier Primary School, the official adopted school of Sandals Royal Bahamian.

Gifts were collected as a part of the resort’s toy drive and by donations from Hasbro Inc. The students were also treated to a Christmas cake and other desserts. Smiles were plentiful at Sandilands Primary School during a toy distribution day which benefited hundreds of students.

Since 2011, the Sandals Foundation has partnered with Hasbro, Inc. for their annual Holiday Toy Drive appeal benefitting underprivileged children in the Caribbean. Hasbro Inc. is a global play and entertainment company committed to making the world a better place for children and their families for this year’s #InspireJoyWithAToy fundraising campaign.

Almost 100,000 toys have been distributed across the Caribbean over the six consecutive years of partnership between the Sandals Foundation and Hasbro, Inc. Children and community members alike greatly anticipate the festivities each year that have guaranteed smiles and joy for thousands of children of the Caribbean community.

All Smiles – Students of Sandilands Primary School stand in eager anticipation of toys they will receive from staff at Sandals Royal Bahamian. The toys were donated as a part of a toy drive held by the resort.

With Arms Outstretched – Students of Sandilands Primary School eagerly await their turn to receive toys donated by Sandals Royal Bahamian during a toy drive held by the award-winning resort.

Santa Lands at Gambier Primary - On a recent trip from the North Pole, Santa Claus, in the person of Gary Williams, General Manager of Sandals Royal Bahamian (left) along with Mrs. Claus and his helpers, brought Christmas cheer to students of Gambier Primary School during a toy drive. 140 students from the resort’s official adopted school received gifts.

Taking Care of Those Who Take Care of Others – Staff of the PMH Oncology Centre were recently treated and served lunch by team members of Sandals Royal Bahamian in a joint effort with the Sandals Foundation.

The Giving Continues - Sandals Royal Bahamian staff members with Ternielle Burrows (right) of Rise Bahamas and the HeadKnowles Foundation.

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World's Best Play Experiences. From toys and games to television, movies, digital gaming and consumer products, Hasbro offers a variety of ways for audiences to experience its iconic brands, including NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, LITTLEST PET SHOP and MAGIC: THE GATHERING, as well as premier partner brands. The Company's Hasbro Studios and its film label, Allspark Pictures, are building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Through its commitment to corporate social responsibility and philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to make the world a better place for children and their families. Learn more at www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro & @HasbroNews) and Instagram (@Hasbro).