Employees Build Joy

More than 500 Astellas employees stuffed and dressed cloth animals, built wagons and xylophones, assembled and painted wooden toys and bound and decorated coloring books for local underprivileged children at the 2007 holiday party. The 1,500 toys assembled were distributed to children during the holiday season and given away throughout the year as part of ongoing programs.

“We want to give toys to children who may not otherwise enjoy them. It's our way to benefit the local community in which we live,” said one Astellas employee. Another expressed her agreement while stuffing a toy bear: “We're a people driven company. Our job is to do things to better peoples’ lives. This aligns with our mission.”

The organization that distributed the toys the previous year served 4,000 children from six surrounding areas. The organization is committed to creating a cross-cultural and safe environment that promotes self-esteem, teamwork and responsible community commitment for young people.