On Friday, Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. (http://business.toshiba.com) delivered $31,000 worth of its latest technology equipment and services to Honolulu nonprofit, Habilitat for winning its Helping the Helpers Technology Makeover contest. 

To acknowledge the nonprofit winning Toshiba's contest while commending the positive impact of Habilitat and other worthy organizations in the Aloha State, Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie is today proclaiming Helping the Helpers Day.  Founded in 1971, Habilitat is one of the nation's foremost residential substance abuse treatment programs.    

"I commend Habilitat and other nonprofits in our state, committed to improving our communities, and it is my pleasure to proclaim July 1 as Helping the Helpers Day in Hawaii," said Governor Neil Abercrombie.  "This day recognizes the exceptional organizations promoting the common good within our state to help the less fortunate who need a helping hand, caring heart and compassionate spirit."

To help celebrate the nonprofit's technology windfall while recognizing its great work, U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Hawaii State Representative Jessica Wooley and Toshiba executive, Greg Valen today are joining Habilitat's staff for an 11 a.m. Hawaiian Standard Time ribbon-cutting at the nonprofit's headquarters.  Congresswoman Gabbard and Rep. Wooley are also presenting the organization with congratulatory certificates at the event. 

"For more than 40 years, Habilitat has provided a sanctuary for so many in Hawai'i and beyond who need the intensive care - and accountability - necessary to get their lives back on track," said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.  "Companies like Toshiba who step up and support worthy service organizations like Habilitat are to be commended.  Congratulation to the Habilitat ohana on this well-deserved recognition of their work and contributions in our communities."   

Rep. Jessica Wooley stated, "As a result of its continuing efforts to provide hope to people in despair, Habilitat is changing the lives of individuals - and their families - throughout Hawaii as well as those from the mainland United States.  By dramatically upgrading Habilitat's technology infrastructure, Toshiba is doing its part to improve our communities by helping the helpers."  

Habilitat was one of nearly 80 U.S. nonprofits submitting a two-minute or less video outlining their mission while articulating how a technology upgrade would benefit their organization.  The contest took place on Toshiba's corporate social responsibility Facebook portal, Toshiba for Good. 

The nonprofit receives a prize package of Toshiba products and services including a new e-STUDIO3040c^TM multifunction product, all-in-one desktop computer, Protégé^® laptop, LED HDTV, CAMILEO^® camcorder, Excite^TM tablet, memory cards and even energy-saving LED light bulbs to help them reduce costs, streamline operations and conserve resources. 

"As an engaged corporate citizen, we place a significant priority on improving communities throughout the United States wherever we work and live" said Bill Melo, vice president of marketing, services & solutions at Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc.  "By providing a temporary home and treatment to help individuals suffering through the affects of substance abuse, Habilitat is transforming lives and neighborhoods throughout Hawaii." 

"Our entire staff couldn't be more pleased to receive Toshiba's technology makeover," said Jeffrey Nash, facility director at Habilitat.  "This generous gift enables us to better focus on our mission of helping people recover from the tragic effects of substance abuse while allowing them to learn how to be responsible contributing members of our society."

About Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc.

Irvine, Calif.-based Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc., (TABS) is an independent operating company of Toshiba Corporation, the world's eighth-largest electronics/electrical equipment company. TABS is a leading managed document services (MDS) provider with experts that help organizations take control of document security, workflow and print environments. With the award-winning Encompass^TM managed print services (MPS) program, e-STUDIO^TM line of multifunction printers (MFPs), toner products and retail information/thermal printing systems, TABS is leading the way for businesses to print smarter, work safer and conserve resources. For more information on Toshiba solutions and services available in the United States and Latin America, please visit www.business.toshiba.com.