CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is donating 80,000 toys to a charity for children affected by poverty and tragedy, emphasizing those affected by Hurricane Sandy, the retailer said Friday.

Rite Aid announced the donation of coloring books, stuffed animals and activity workbooks to Kids In Distressed Situations.

"One of Rite Aid's core values is to be a caring neighbor, involved in our communities in meaningful ways," Rite Aid COO Ken Martindale said. "We know that for many families affected by Hurricane Sandy, this holiday season will be unlike any other as they continue to rebuild. We're hoping our donation helps make the holidays just a little bit brighter for the families and children in New Jersey, New York and beyond."

Rite Aid employees appeared as Santa and elves this week to distribute the toys at a special children's holiday party sponsored by the Staten Island Council on Child Abuse and Neglect at the Family Resource Center of the Jewish Board for Children and Families.