Local 1991 Brings Holiday Cheer to Area Kids
Miami
resident Widelina Jusma faced a tough Christmas this year because she
was recently laid off from her job. She didn’t want her kids to miss
out on Christmas, but she had no money for shopping.
“Everything costs so much,” said Jusma, a mother of three.
But
on Dec. 22, Jusma’s kids and about 50 other local children were treated
to a roomful of toys at North Dade Health Center, thanks to our union’s
annual toy drive which gathered about 50 gifts.
“This
is an event that our members look forward to each year,” said President
Martha Baker, RN. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to give back to our
community and help make the holidays brighter for children in need.”
Jusma’s
daughter, Kendra, 7, said she was hoping to receive a doll for
Christmas this year and was happy to see several of them lined up on a
table at North Dade Health Center.
“I’m
happy,” said Kendra, a second-grader at Benjamin Elementary School. “My
favorite part about Christmas is sharing with my friends and having a
great day with family.”
Jusma said the toys donated from SEIU Local 1991 were a blessing for her children.
“This means so much to them,” she said. “It’s a wonderful event.”
North
Dade Health Center employee Nora Milton, LCSW, said the majority of
children who come to the clinic are from low-income families in the
north Miami-Dade area.
“This
event is so important, especially during this time when so many kids
don’t have the opportunity to get gifts,” said Milton, who added that
the clinic serves about 2,000 children each year. “A lot of these
parents have lost their jobs and this event makes Christmas special for
them. It’s a blessing to give something back.”
She
said the children who were invited to participate in the toy
distribution were recommended from caregivers at the clinic. The
children were handed out numbers and when each number was called, a
gift was selected.
Sandra
Scott brought her four grand children to the event, ages 2 through 8.
“This is very much appreciated,” Scott said while she waited in line.
“I love this event. It brings a lot of joy for them.”
Said her grandson, Ulysses Pearson, 4: “I hope this is the best Christmas ever!”
This is the third year that SEIU Local 1991 has participated in the toy drive, said Vice President Sam Ruiz, RN.
“It’s
a pleasure to be invested in any community project,” Ruiz said,
“especially during this time. It’s a pleasure to bring smiles every
year to the children of Miami-Dade.”
At
Juanita Mann Health Center, Alex Corzo, 8, smiled at his mom when he
was handed a Matchbox Car Crasher by Dr. Flore Lindore-Latorotue, head
of Juanita Mann’s Social Services division. His mother, Esther Soler,
of Miami, thanked union members for the unexpected gift.
“It’s
been a tough year and I really can’t buy anything right now,” Soler
said. “I truly appreciate the union sharing their Christmas spirit with
my son.”
About 50 toys were donated by members
Kendra Jusma, 7, Kyle-El Jusma, 3, and Jerome Bennett, 4, received
gifts during SEIU 1991’s
annual toy drive at North Dade Health
Center
North Dade Health Center social worker Nora Milton, SEIU Local 1991
Vice President Samuel Ruiz, RN, and North Dade Health Center employee
Lori Holdeman at SEIU Local 1991’s toy distribution