Horton's Kids Receives ICTI Annual Award for Children's Charities

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Horton's Kids, a local nonprofit dedicated to educating and empowering the children of DC's Ward 8, was presented with the global toy industry's prestigious ICTI Annual Award for Children's Charities during a ceremony this afternoon at the Newseum in Washington, DC.

"We are so pleased to acknowledge Horton's Kids for all that they do to help improve children's lives," said Lars Abel, president of the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI), the global organization comprised of national toy associations from more than 20 countries. "Thanks to its comprehensive services and the unbelievable dedication of its staff, Horton's Kids has not only benefited the children of Ward 8 but has also helped to enrich the entire community."

Established by ICTI in 2003, the annual award honors a nationally acclaimed, independent charity that has made significant contributions to the advancement of children's health and wellbeing. The recipient is nominated by the toy association hosting that year's ICTI annual general meeting and selected from among nonprofit organizations across the host country.

As this year's meeting host, the U.S. Toy Industry Association nominated Horton's Kids for its steadfast support and inclusive programming for children in need, including its regular one-on-one tutoring sessions for children in grades pre-K through 6; an older youth program; summer literacy program; monthly field trips and holiday events for children and their parents; and the nutritious meals, school supplies, clothing and toys that Horton's Kids provides its participants.  

"We were so honored when the U.S. Toy Industry Association and its colleagues from around the world chose Horton's Kids for this prestigious award," said Brenda Chamberlain, Executive Director of Horton's Kids. "I am delighted that our programs and the children's accomplishments are receiving this international recognition."

Horton's Kids was named Best Nonprofit in the 2012 Best of DC Readers' Poll, received the 2011 Washington Post Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management, and has hosted First Lady Michelle Obama and U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan at past events.

For additional information about the ICTI Annual Award for Children's Charities and previous award recipients, please visit the ICTI website.

About Horton's Kids (www.hortonskids.org)

Horton's Kids, Inc. is Washington, DC-based 501(c)(3) organization that serves more than 500 children and families from the Wellington Park and Stanton Oaks neighborhoods in Ward 8 through a variety of education, enrichment, advocacy, and support programs. Horton's Kids programs are made possible by more than 500 dedicated volunteers, many of whom work on Capitol Hill. The cornerstone of Horton's Kids is the weeknight tutoring and mentoring program in the Rayburn House Office Building and the U.S. Department of Education. Other programming includes weekly educational outings, health and basic needs support, summer literacy activities, and emergency food and clothing.

About the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI) (www.toy-icti.org)

ICTI, founded in 1975, is the trade association for the global toy industry, comprised of national toy associations from more than 20 countries. Administered by the U.S. Toy Industry Association, ICTI serves as a center of discussion and information exchange on industry trends and issues, and promotes toy safety standards, the reduction or elimination of trade barriers, and the advancement of social responsibility within the industry, addressing environmental sustainability, fair employment practices, workplace safety and the welfare of children around the world.

About the Toy Industry Association (TIA) (www.toyassociation.org)

TIA is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and bringing toys and youth entertainment products to kids of all ages, representing more than 600 companies who account for approximately 85% of domestic toy sales. Toy safety is the number one priority for the toy industry. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety including the development of the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 30 years ago, and working with government, consumers and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.

SOURCE Toy Industry Association