Councilwoman Judy Waldman and the Homestead community made Christmas special for needy Homestead families this December when once again she successfully hosted the Annual Toy Drive! The Homestead Soup Kitchen Christmas event has been organized annually by Councilwoman Waldman for over 16 years, demonstrating her long term commitment to ensuring that each family and child in Homestead has a Christmas gift.
This year’s success was made possible by many local companies and volunteers who united to help Homestead’s less fortunate. Businesses coming together for the drive included: Four local Walgreens coordinated by Juan Galo, Manager of 1851 S. Canal Drive; Homestead Tire and Auto; Chefs on the Run; William Dickinson Community Center; Villages of Homestead Clubhouse; Malibu Bay Clubhouse; and Mamma Mia Restaurant.
The City of Homestead made contributions as well, some of them coming directly from City employees. The Homestead SOS (Start Off Smart) collaborated by helping families not present at the Soup Kitchen. Francesco Lombardo, a returning volunteer, once again donated his birthday gifts to the drive, and Margie Vizcaya gathered contributions from All Florida Insurance, InStyle Beauty Salon, and Kings Bay Pediatrics, increasing the amount of families that could be reached.Councilwoman Waldman was excited by the alliance of businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers in this year’s toy drive, stating that “once again you all have stepped up to keep the spirit alive. Thank you!”
The Homestead Soup Kitchen serves meals to hundreds of people on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm. For information on how to volunteer, donate goods or funding visit www.homesteadsoupkitchen.com.
