NORFOLK, Va. (Nov. 9, 2023) – Aviation Institute of Maintenance’s Norfolk campus is proud to announce it will again host the Wes’ Wish Holiday Family Shopping Expo. This marks the third consecutive year the campus has hosted this event. The Wes Strong Foundation, a 501c3 charity organization, strives to bring joy to children battling cancer and serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and community. The Wes Wish Foundation Holiday Toy Drive is a cherished tradition in Hampton Roads, where local businesses and organizations across the community collect toys and gifts to be shopped, at no charge, by families impacted by pediatric cancer.
This initiative started in 2011 when a brave 5-year-old boy named Wes Pak, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, selflessly wanted to donate his toys to other children fighting alongside him at the clinic. This act of kindness inspired the creation of the toy drive, which started with five little red wagons filled with toys. Over the years, it has benefited numerous families across Hampton Roads.
Wes Pak’s dedication to helping others continued until 2018 when his heroic battle with cancer concluded. In his memory, Aviation Institute of Maintenance has donated their space to carry on the toy drive, ensuring that Wes’s legacy lives on. The campus community is committed to honoring his spirit.
Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the campus located at 2329 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk, VA 23518 until December 8, 2023.
For more information about the Wes Strong Foundation and how you can contribute, please visit https://wesstrong.org/wes-wish-holiday-support.
