TUSTIN, CALIF., Aug. 26, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nationwide, August 26, 2014: The nation's leading franchisor of educational toy stores, Learning Express Toys, is partnering with the MaxLove Project. A 100% volunteer-powered, grassroots nonprofit organization, MaxLove Project was founded to help SuperKids thrive against cancer. Its mission is to provide families fighting childhood cancers with accessible, practical, and kid-friendly whole-body wellness.
"Learning Express Toys strongly believes in becoming an integral part of our communities," says Sharon DiMinico, founder and CEO. "Giving back through fundraising and charitable programs is the very essence of who we are."
Leading up to the MaxLove International Loom-A-Thon Against Cancer on September 14, 2014, Learning Express Toys stores is holding various looming opportunities in stores throughout the country. Children can help Max fulfill his wish of creating a 100-mile Rainbow Loom chain. Pieces of the chain are being crafted in each of the 125 Learning Express Toys locations nationwide and sent to Max. Additionally, at Learning Express Toys, you can now purchase MaxLove charms, with all proceeds benefiting the MaxLove Project.
"We are grateful to the Learning Express Toys family for being our partner in our mission to help children with cancer," says Audra Wilford, Max's mother and Chief Hope Officer of the nonprofit.
Max, a 7-year-old from Orange County, CA, is the inspiration for MaxLove Project. SuperMax, as he is widely known, is battling brain cancer. He became a YouTube sensation when he was featured on the Jimmy Kimmel show in February. Kimmel heard about Max's love of Rainbow Loom and auctioned off his "Suit of the Loom," with proceeds benefitting the MaxLove Project. Learning Express Toys of Mt. Lebanon submitted their loomed items to be a part of the Suit of the Loom and were spotlighted on one of the Kimmel episodes.
"Max's story is incredibly compelling, and his passion for helping other children is heartwarming," says Rick Derr, owner of Learning Express Toys of Lake Zurich (IL). "I am thrilled to be able to help Max achieve his dreams, and I look forward to joining him September 14 at the International Loom-A-Thon Against Cancer in Orange County."
Author of the currently #1 best-selling craft book on Amazon, Suzanne Peterson, also will attend the Loom-A-Thon. Peterson will be signing her book, The Loomatic's Interactive Guide to Rainbow Loom. "Max has touched all of our hearts, and it was a true pleasure to finally meet him today," says Peterson who owns Learning Express Toys of Reno.
MaxLove Project also is supported by Cloud b, creators of the Twilight Turtle, which has provided great comfort to Max during his treatments. The world's leading manufacturer of products that help children sleep, Cloud b items are sold at Learning Express Toys.
About Learning Express Toys
Learning Express Toys is the nation's leading franchisor of educational toy stores with more than 120 locations across the country, each one locally owned and operated. Providing an extraordinary shopping experience, Learning Express Toys is known for its knowledgeable sales staff that offers expert advice on choosing the perfect toy, for every child, for every occasion. The Learning Express Toys product mix is carefully selected from manufacturers around the world, and each toy has exceptional play value. A birthday gift registry, free gift wrapping, free personalization, and civic fundraising make each Learning Express Toys store an integral part of its community.
For more information, interview requests, and media inquiries, please contact Victoria Harnish at Victoria@learningexpress.com or 978.889.1091.
To learn more about Learning Express Toys, franchise opportunities, or a store near you, visit learningexpress.com.