Kids get bikes and toys at children’s holiday celebration

Students from some of South Florida’s poorest elementary schools came to FIU recently and left with armfuls of gifts, a new bike and an invitation to come back as a college student one day.

The children were handpicked by teachers and counselors to participate in the 18th Annual Holiday Celebration for Children, where students and teachers are treated to lunch and many surprises.

The party was also an opportunity to inspire students at an early age to do well in school and to pursue higher education. FIU Board of Trustees Chairman Albert E. Dotson Sr., told them that he expects them to be back one day as FIU students.

Participating in the event this year were students, teachers and principals from Avocado Elementary, Carver Elementary, Chapman Elementary, Beckford-Richmond Elementary, Colonial Drive Elementary, E.L. Whigham Elementary, Florida City Elementary, Miami Park Elementary, Morningside Elementary, Phillis Wheatley Elementary, Pine Villa Elementary, Rainbow Park Elementary, Robert Ingram Elementary, Scott Lake Elementary and Shadowlawn Elementary.

Miami Heat mascot Burnie joined the celebration and performed for the audience that filled the Graham Center Ballrooms at the FIU Modesto A. Maidique Campus. The winners of a skit contest also performed. The groups from Florida City Elementary and Rainbow Park Elementary took home laptops for each student as prizes.

The biggest surprise came at the end of the celebration when each child received a brand new bike.

The event also served to raise funds for scholarships. Dozens of volunteers and sponsors, including The Home Depot, Office Depot Foundations, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Best Buy, rallied together again this year to make this event possible.