CHARLESTON, SC— Some call it a modern day surf shop, others an action sports center. Any way you put it, Air & Earth are simply “big kid” toy stores in Charleston. Founders Adam Von Ins and Elea Faucheron are so thankful for the support Charleston has given them this year, they want to give back by helping every kid, little or big, get a toy this holiday. Air & Earth’s 13 Days of Christmas Toy Drive, a collection of new and used toys for those in need, starts on Black Friday, November 27, 2009.

“We are just amazed at how much support we got this year from all the board sport lovers, and their families,” says Elea Faucheron when asked about this unique benefit drive. She explains the traditional 12 days of Christmas are all about “what my true love gave to me. We’re so thankful; we created the 13^th day of Xmas so we could give back.” Adam Von Ins says: “My grandma used to tell me the only difference between Men and Boys is the size of their Toys. She is so right. We’re just a big kid’s toy store. And we want to give every kid in Charleston, regardless of age, income or status, the chance to get a toy this holiday.”

Air & Earth’s 13 Days of Christmas are focused on making toys available to those in need. They are giving back in two ways:

1. They are collecting both New and Used toy donations. There are several drop-off locations. The first is at Air & Earth’s shop by the Mt. Pleasant Target @ 1313 Long Grove Drive. They’ll also be donating staff (AKA Santa’s Xtreme Elves) along with the Earth Mobile Skate Park, their large funky truck, to set up various mobile collection points at high traffic shopping areas. As a bonus, each donator will receive a free Air & Earth gift card. “We want to help those giving, also get a toy for someone they know,” says Elea.
   
   New Toy donations need to be in original packaging. To support the recycling efforts of the store, the owners are also asking for used board sport donations in good condition. “We know there are plenty of locals with old stuff just gathering dust. If you have a skateboard, surfboard, skim board, body board, snowboards or kiteboard just sitting around, please donate!” says Faucheron. “We’re also collecting things associated with these sports: like used helmets, pads and wetsuits.”
   
   

Air & Earth are accepting donations from both individuals, and businesses. Donations will go to various charitable groups such as Toys for Tots, Charleston Boys & Girls Club, local Churches and any other groups needing toys. Von Ins says: “If you know kids needing toys, please contact us!”

2. To help you get a new toy or a gift, Air & Earth are giving away free Gift Cards to the first 113 people through their doors the day after Thanksgiving November 27, 2009. Von Ins explains “We’re starting the 13 Days of Xmas on Black Friday. These gift cards can be used to get a toy to donate, or give to someone you know.” Faucheron mentions on Nov. 27, to help anyone get a toy we are also large discounts on our most popular items such as skateboards for $25, wetsuits for $50, and 50% off sunglasses.
   
   Air & Earth will also offer 13 bigger kid toys at drastically reduced pricing to help those less fortunate. One item will be featured daily starting November 27. You can learn about each item via Text Message, Twitter and online videos published at 13days.CatchSomeAir.us, FaceBook and YouTube.

Air & Earth’s two-story surf, skate and kite sports center is located at 1313 Long Grove Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464.

For more information on Mobile Drop-off locations, donation details & requests, Black Friday events and the 13 daily featured items:

· Online: 13days.catchsomeair.us

· Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

· Phone: 843-388-9300

· Texting: Text “13days” to 41-411 for mobile drop locations and 13 days special items.

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