December 25 may be Santa’s big day, but in Hispanic culture, it is the 12th day of Christmas, January 6, that is celebrated. “El Dia de los Reyes”, or Three Kings Day, marks the visit by the three Wise Men to the baby Jesus and it’s a day of gift-giving.
Adelante of Suffolk County knows that this has been a very hard year for everyone, but especially for children and the agency raised funds throughout December to purchase toys for children.
“In addition to losing their activities at school and having to adjust to all this cyber madness, they also suffer from the imminent adjustment in their parents’ financial situation,” says Maidaya Maldonado, director of Adelante. “This takes them away from the magic and hope that Christmas brings. But this year, with the intention of rescuing a bit of our Hispanic culture, Adelante will be giving out gifts to the community’s children.
The magical gift giving will take place on January 6 at 6 p.m. at 10 Third Avenue in Brentwood NY. The Three Kings will also be present for photo ops!
If you are interested in purchasing a raffle ticket for the toy drive, please contact 631-234-1049, ext. 213. Raffle tickets are $20 for 6; $10 for 3 and $5 for 1 ticket. For more information please call 631-434-3481.
About Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE)
Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE, Inc.), founded in 1977, benefits and proudly supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury. It is the mission of FREE, Inc. to help individuals of all abilities realize their full potential. FREE, Inc. provides a diverse array of supports and services including housing; recovery services; transition to work; employment; day, community and family services; respite; crisis services; education and after school support; specialty health services; and advocacy.
The FREE Network collaborates with a variety of diverse 501(c)(3) nonprofit partners on educational, vocational, rehabilitative and a myriad of other creative initiatives to enhance the local communities and the lives of more than 35,000 people that reside within them. Each of the valued partners of the FREE Network has a unique mission, vision and strategic goals that are aligned in purpose, and embody the spirit of the meaningful work we do every day. For more information, please call 516-870-1614 or visit www.familyres.org.
