MIAMI-DADE — Children from 22 Miami-Dade County community organizations recently received an early Christmas when the civic organization 100 Black Men of South Florida and Target provided a shopping experience to brighten their holiday.
The group’s 20th annual Christmas Shopping Spree for low income boys and girls aged 5 to 14, took place at the Target at 7795 SW 40th St.
From the time of the store opening to mid-morning, some 220 children participated in the shopping spree from organizations such as the Helen Bentley Family Health Center, Opa-locka Crime Prevention, Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church, Sant La Neighborhood Center and Richmond-Perrine Optimist club.
Each child got $75 to spend on themselves and family members. Many bought toys and non-violent videos games, along with clothes for family members.
“The smile on the faces of these children is priceless,” said the group’s president, Bobby Hall. “In the 20 years we have assisted the communities of Miami-Dade in brightening this holiday season, we have this time of year really made something special for some 4,000 kids.”
“When we can bring joy and light a smile to the faces of those who might not have a bright holiday, it makes the season even more joyous,” said Daron Fitch, the event organizer and a member of the 100 Black Men of South Florida.
Immediately following the shopping, the children were treated to lunch at Burger King’s headquarters, where they also heard a motivational speech by the Rev. Jeremy Upton, senior pastor of Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in Perrine.
ELLIS ADGER/SPECIAL TO SOUTH FLORIDA TIMES. SHOPPING SPREE: Sam Ellis, a member of the 100 Black Men of South Florida, assists two unidentified children select toys during the group’s recent 20th annual Christmas Shopping Spree.
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