Thousands of Miami Kids Receive New Toys Through 28th Annual Christmas Smiles Project Toy Drive
A Room Full of Joy
Thousands of kids ranging from toddlers to teens in the Miami area received new toys Saturday as part of the 28th Annual Christmas Smiles Project Toy Drive. Many of them come from underprivileged immigrant families, and over the weekend, their faces lit up when they saw a room full of toys at the Caribbean K-8 Center in Cutler Bay.
A Tradition of Giving
For some, Christmas came early this year. The high school senior, Samantha Rey, helped organize this year’s annual toy drive, taking over the initiative her mother started, at the exact same age 28 years ago. Her mother, Rosemarie Rey, started the project in 1997 with her friend Andrea Lopez, and it has since grown into a nonprofit organization.
A Legacy of Giving Back
Rosemarie Rey shared the story of how the project began. "My best friend and I had graduated from St. Brendan and we went to Dadeland (mall) and there was an angel tree and we got some kids from the angel tree, and bought some toys and then we started talking and said ‘Oh, we could collect a little bit more, let’s do something,’" she said. Throughout the years, the initiative has gone through different schools, with the help of Mary Blanco, a school board member, who has guided them to the schools that are most in need.
The Impact of Giving
Samantha Rey shared her experience growing up watching her family give back every year. "We would have, like, boxes and boxes at my house and as a little girl you see cool toys and you want them, but I always knew they were for these kids," she said. Now that the torch has been passed on to her, many underprivileged kids will have a "Christmas smile" on their faces this holiday season. "Everybody thinks like, ‘Wow, you’re impacting these kids’ lives so much,’ but I think they’re impacting ours more," she added.
Conclusion
The Christmas Smiles Project Toy Drive is a testament to the power of giving and the impact it can have on people’s lives. The project has grown into a nonprofit organization, with drives throughout the year, not just limited to the holiday season. If you wish to donate or volunteer, click here for more information.
FAQs
Q: What is the Christmas Smiles Project Toy Drive?
A: The Christmas Smiles Project Toy Drive is an annual toy drive that provides new toys to underprivileged kids in the Miami area.
Q: How did the project start?
A: The project was started by Rosemarie Rey and her friend Andrea Lopez in 1997.
Q: How has the project grown over the years?
A: The project has grown into a nonprofit organization, with drives throughout the year, and has expanded to help those in need in other countries.
Q: How can I get involved?
A: You can donate or volunteer by clicking here for more information.
