MIAMI (WSVN) - People from across South Florida came together, Sunday, to spread Christmas cheer to underprivileged children in Little Havana.
Volunteers delivered toys to children and their families at the annual Amigos For Kids Toy Drive in the Miami neighborhood.
The organization gave toys to over one thousand children, according to Rosa Maria of Amigos For Kids.
“We select over one thousand children every year that are able to fill out a wish list, a specific request for an item that they’re going to be able to get during our holiday toy drive caravan,” Maria said. “We are extremely fortunate, volunteers and donors all year long that help us fund this.”
People have been donating new, unwrapped toys throughout the year, and Sunday, the volunteers worked around the clock to make sure the gift giving was special.
“It makes me feel a lot better to spend time with these families and the kids as well,” said one volunteer. “See their happy faces when I give them a gift. We have a lot of toys. I think we have two trucks full of toys that we came down here with. It’s been a great experience.”
The organization invited kids of all ages to the event.
“They were given a very extensive list, where they were allowed to choose from a list of toys they would like based on their age groups,” said Carmen Avila, the mother of one of the children. “So there was everything from bikes to scooters to board games. They had a little bit of everything for everyone.”
Members of the Miami Police Department took part in the event as well.
Santa Claus handed out the presents. The children lined up for pictures with old Saint Nick and delivered their wish lists.
One boy was brought to tears by his gift, a framed picture of his father who passed away.
“What we give them is what is going to become their future because whatever foundation, we provide for them now, is going to become who they are, and they are our future,” Maria said. “The most important asset, the most important treasure, that we have in all communities.”
This was the 25th year Amigos For Kids has held the event.
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