Firm to Give Toys to All Children Who Have AIDS

The Department of Health and Human Services and St. Joseph Children’s Products announced Tuesday that the company would supply holiday toys to the more than 300 children in the nation with AIDS.

“We’ve had a 40-year history of caring for children--children are very special to us,” Randy Millian, a representative of the Memphis, Tenn., firm said at a press conference.

Millian was flanked by Assistant Secretary for Health Robert E. Windom, representatives from national AIDS organizations--which will distribute the toys--and Santa Claus, introduced by Windom as “the special assistant secretary for mirth and merriment.”

Windom urged Americans to use the holiday season to show compassion for all people with AIDS.

“Besides children with AIDS, there are over 20,000 adults with AIDS,” Windom said. “We hope everyone will reach out to those others during Christmas--have someone with AIDS come to your home to dinner or help them get to the doctor. Reach out to them--open your hearts with generosity and love for others.”