On the day before Christmas Eve, the children at Joe Dimaggio receive an early visit from Santa Claus and one of his elves. Not only do the children get a warm hug and hello, but they get gifts!
Hope for Autism United for Soccer Foundation set out to find donations from local parks, churches and school. Two main contributors: City of Miami Beach Fire Station No. 2 that gave over 50% of the toys received and EMAUZ, an organization, who donated about 30% of toys in total. Other donations were received from Dr. Amaya Fernandez, Twon & Country Family Dental, Mac-Impressions, Family Pedro Iglesia, Valero Family, Shopping Shopping Distributor, Deborah Cubas & Family, Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida en Cristo, CLS SPEECH- Cindy Scorpo Lucas, Rafuls & Assoc. Construction Co. Inc, Angel’s Reach Foundation Inc., Miami Lakes Middle School, Danny Larkin (MDPR), Future Image Consultants Inc., Los Magueyes Restaurant, PSN AA Soccer, B&A Title Services, Limos of Miami, Big Frog Plantation, Miami Executive Aviation, and Mr. Santa Claus & Elf Foundation.
The president of HAUSF, Oscar Amuz, organized this event with the rest of his staff: vice president Richard Vasquez, treasurer Martin Arteaga, other league members, and a small organization called “Mr. Santa Claus & Elf Foundation” dressed up as Santa and his elf to hand the children at Joe Dimaggio their gifts.
“It’s very humbling to be able to go and see all these kids. It makes me rethink everything that I have ever complained for. I am so grateful that I am able to take time and donate something so simple to the children and their faces light up,” said Oscar, president of HAUSF.
When the group arrived at Joe Dimaggio, two child life specialists, Christine Byrd and Leslie Schoenberg, greeted them. They guided HAUSF around the hospital and door-to-door in order to give each child their presents. The children that had received gifts were mainly from intensive care and they ranged from 3 months old to 17 years old.
HAUSF has not only donated to Joe Dimaggio but a number of places like Miami Children’s Hospital, Marianitas Sister Family Day Care Home, Norman & Jean Reach Park, Olinda Park, Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida en Cristo, and Parroquia Santa Barbara.
“In total we’ve donated over 1,800 toys to 1,200 kids all over the Miami area,” said Oscar.
Their next move is to raise 5,000 new and used books and give it to inner city kids from Over Town and Liberty City by Martin Luther King Day in February. For more information, their website is autismsoccer.org.
“I would like to give a big thank you to everyone who has donated and supported our cause. Happy Holidays!” said Vice President, Richard Vasquez.
