Legoland Florida is out to lift the spirits of thousands of Central Florida children.
- Legoland donating park tickets to 20,000 Central Florida children
- 18,000 theme park tickets to the UNICEF Kid Power Schools program and another 2,000 tickets to Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs
- Attractions Insider
In the wake of Hurricane Irma, park officials are donating 20,000 tickets to the park to school-age children in the state that have had to deal with the storm and aftermath.
The park will give 18,000 theme park tickets to the UNICEF Kid Power Schools program and another 2,000 tickets to Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs.
"As a resort built for kids, we felt compelled to do something special for Florida’s children after Hurricane Irma, which left so many households facing months of recovery," said Rex Jackson, general manager of Legoland Florida Resort. "While we can’t turn the power back on for those families, we can put smiles on their faces."
The total donation is valued at more than $1.8 million. It represents the largest ticket giveaway in the resort’s nearly six-year history.
"From UNICEF’s 70 years of work in emergencies and in schools around the world, we know the importance of ‘play’ and free time in helping kids heal from stressful situations, such as a natural disaster," said Jeanette Duffy, UNICEF Kid Power program director. "This is a fantastic chance for these Florida students to just be kids."
Meanwhile, Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs, will give tickets to the children it serves through sites in Winter Haven, Haines City and Lake Wales.
Since 1954, the organization has worked to better the lives of children throughout the county’s eastern communities, with programs focused on character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports and fitness, and technology skills.
Curtis Reddick, chief professional officer for Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs, said the donation "gives our kids and their parents time to spend a fun-filled day together."