Hi everyone!
The holiday season brings lots of festivities, food and shopping but it also brings a lot of generosity. It is during this season that we reflect upon our blessings and then pay it forward by giving back to those less fortunate. Read below to see how you can make a child’s Christmas a little brighter this holiday season.
A FAMILY COMES TOGETHER AMIDST TRAGEDY TO GIVE BACK TO OTHERS
December 9, 2013 (Miami, FL)- On December 9, 2008, the Garcia family suffered the devastating loss of their son, Kevin Garcia as a result of a car accident. Kevin was just 17 years old, a senior in high school, with a bright future ahead of him. At the time of Kevin’s death, the family was inspired to request toys instead of flowers for his funeral. Kevin’s friend’s and family responded overwhelmingly to this request by filling a truck full of toys to benefit the patients of Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital. Since that initial toy drive, the efforts made by his family and friends has evolved into what is now the Kevin Garcia Foundation.
The Kevin Garcia Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help at risk children and teenagers overcome economic barriers so they can achieve healthier, more productive lives. In addition to it’s annual toy drive, the foundation has also established a scholarship fund to benefit students that excel academically and in athletics, as well as sponsoring other nonprofit organizations such as Amigos For Kids, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and Wonderfund.
When asked what inspired her to commit her life to this effort, Kevin’s mother responded with the following;
“In the 11th grade, Kevin was asked to write an essay about who he would be if he could be anyone in history and why. His answer was Elvis Presley, and his reason was quoted from one of his favorite childhood movies, The Sandlot: “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die”. Establishing the Kevin Garcia Foundation is our next step in spreading the legend of Kevin’s love, hope, and joy to as many people as possible. Kevin did not have money, power or fame, but he had what every human aspires to achieve in a lifetime: The ability to touch another person’s soul.“
The Kevin Garcia Foundation is currently preparing for their 5th annual toy drive on Saturday December 14th at Porcão (901 SE 1st Ave). This year, the foundation is happy to welcome the efforts of Space Coast Credit Union as corporate sponsors in support of the cause. From now until Dec 22nd, all Space Coast Credit Union branches in Palm Beach, Broward, and Dade counties will serve as drop off locations for new and unwrapped toys that the foundation will then deliver to Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital on Christmas Day.
For more information on the Kevin Garcia Foundation or to make a tax-deductible donation visit, www.kevingarciafoundation.com. For a list of participating Space Coast Credit Union branches please visit: www.sccu.com.
Thank you for reading! Have you donated your time, money or goods this season? Tell me all about it! ‘Tis the season for giving!
(Please note this is not a sponsored post. I will gladly share any charitable event or promotion as long as I believe in the cause and support the people/companies behind it. The article was not written by me. I’m just the mediator).
