Waltham, MA � June 5, 2002 � K'NEX Industries, one of the world's leading construction toy manufacturers, announced today that in honor of Flag Day, June 14, 2002, the company will donate special red, white, and blue K'NEX rods and connectors and an American Flag design blueprint for local children to construct a model of "Old Glory" made entirely from K'NEX. The end result, a 7 �-foot x 15-foot construction consisting of more than 30,000 K'NEX pieces, will be assembled and displayed at The Construction Site Toy Store in Waltham, MA. The American Flag made from K'NEX will go on display June 15th and will remain in the store's front window for at least a month, after which time it will be donated to a local charity.
This patriotic in-store building activity for kids is the brainchild of K'NEX sales executives and Crispin Richey, Vice President, of The Construction Site, who wanted to create an opportunity for young people to show their pride in America by building the model as a Flag Day remembrance. The project's blueprint, drafted by Anna Zimmer and Glenn Giddings of the K'NEX Design Team, calls for the assembly of 30,831 special red, white, and blue K'NEX rods and connectors. K'NEX and The Construction Site decided to host the event on first the Saturday following the holiday, so that school kids can participate in greater numbers.
On the morning of Saturday, June 15, 2002, the first 80 kids from Waltham and neighboring communities who walk in to the The Construction Site will be given an 8� x 11-inch sheet of the design's overall blueprint to use as a guide. Each child will then be responsible for building a section of the "Grand Old Flag," which will then be "K'nected" to complete the giant 7� -foot x 15-foot model that will immediately go on display in the front window of The Construction Site.
According to Chris Campbell, Vice President of Worldwide Marketing for K'NEX, "We are delighted to work with a fine establishment like the The Construction Site in its efforts to give kids a hands on experience with patriotism as they work together to create a K'NEX model of the 'Grand Old Flag' for their community to enjoy."
Opined Crispin Richey, Vice President of The Construction Site, "This is a great opportunity for kids of all ages and skill levels to work together on a big project and to celebrate the American Flag."
Founded in 1992, K'NEX Industries was formally established to make and sell what has become one of the world's leading integrated construction systems for children. Winner of over 150 international awards and recognitions, K'NEX seeks to build young minds with its exciting product line and critically acclaimed K'NEX Education program. For more information, consumers can visit www.knex.com or call 1-800-KID-KNEX.
The Construction Site is the world's first toy store devoted exclusively to blocks and building toys for all ages from infant to infinity. Toys at The Construction Site's newly renovated and expanded Waltham, Massachusetts, store range from basic unit blocks to computerized construction systems, from classics like Lincoln Logs to the latest building systems. The store features product demonstrations, "try out" stations, and grand displays�including a giant K'NEX Roller Coaster with over 100 feet of track. More information and the store's online offerings can be found at www.constructiontoys.com.
