MIAMI GARDENS — Christmas came early for more than 170 children at the Colonel H. Zubkoff Head Start Center in Miami Gardens recently, when Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara J. Jordan stopped by to bring holiday cheer.

Dressed as Santa’s better half, Commissioner Jordan gave four and five-year old children Barbie Dolls, Transformers, princess kits, make-up kits, action figures, Ninja Turtles, My Little Pony gifts, and other toys to put under the Christmas tree. Commissioner Jordan also identified four families in District 1 that needed assistance providing food and gifts for their loved ones.

Jordan, kid and Santa “There are many families in Miami-Dade County that will not have the opportunity to celebrate this holiday season as they would like,” said Jordan. “They don’t complain about their financial circumstances, they just tend to appreciate what they currently have. While I can’t accommodate everyone, I have worked tirelessly to identify those families in need with children who are doing well in school.”

This year, Jordan presented the McDuffie, Owens, Taylor, and Washington families with a $500 gift card, tickets to Santa’s Enchanted Forest, a food basket, bicycle and toys.

“The holiday season is my favorite time of year,” Jordan said. “My favorite gift in the world is watching children light up when I give them a toy. I wouldn’t trade these moments for all the diamonds in the world.”

Marines Toys for Tots, Target and Walmart sponsored the toy drive.