Needy children to get bikes and computers at 19th Annual Holiday Celebration for Children


WHAT:  More than 100 underprivileged Miami-Dade County children will have their holiday wishes come true at Florida International University’s 19th Annual Holiday Celebration for Children. Third, fourth and fifth grade students from 14 Miami-Dade County public schools have been invited to this holiday luncheon where they’ll meet Santa and visit his toyshop. Inside there will be several special surprises. Each of the kids will receive a bicycle and 12 will be awarded laptops for their academic achievements.

This FIU holiday tradition hopes to inspire all of these boys and girls to get good grades and pursue a college education. But its main goal is to simply put a smile on their faces. To that end, dozens of FIU volunteers and sponsors Best Buy, The Home Depot,  Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target and Kohls are working together to make this a very special day for these kids.

WHO: FIU’s Division of Student Affairs is hosting this holiday celebration. Administrators, faculty, staff and students will volunteer during the event.  There to greet the children will be FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg and Executive Vice President of Student Affairs Rosa Jones. They will be joined by the Miami Heat’s mascot Burnie to kick off the festivities.

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Graham Center Ballroom at FIU’s Modesto Maidique Campus, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Please contact Holiday Celebration Program Director Yvonne James at 305-234-5273 or yvondjames@aol.com

Media Contact: Dianne Fernandez at 305-608-4870.