FIU, corporate sponsors celebrate the season with local children

Students from local South Florida elementary schools visited Modesto A. Maidique Campus on Dec. 8. They enjoyed lunch, entertainment, gifts and an invitation from President Mark B. Rosenberg to come back as a college student one day.

Corporate sponsors joined in the celebration with surprise gifts for the children: Walmart and Sam’s Club presented all the children with new bikes and toys; Best Buy and United Data Technologies awarded lap tops to the children for outstanding achievement; and The Office Depot provided backpacks for all. The Home Depot and Target helped raise nearly $5,000 by donating raffle prizes for the adults.

The purpose of the event is to bring merriment to underprivileged children during the holiday season. It is also an opportunity to inspire students at an early age to do well in school and to pursue higher education.