Kids in need get school supplies at BankAtlantic Center

Miami, Florida, Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/cooper_davie_southwest/story/608850.html

Santa Claus took a break from his seasonal North Pole hiatus to deliver holiday joy—in triplicate—this past weekend to 750 deserving Broward children.

“Ho, ho, ho,” the jolly old men called from three corners of the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, to cheering guests at the seventh annual Christmas in July summer spectacular.

Hosted by 28 local Kiwanis Clubs and Broward government employees, the event founded by Weston resident Celia Earle decked the halls with a 15-foot Christmas tree twinkling in lights, a hot dog lunch and a snowstorm of presents.

Earle, an engineer and a member of the Lauderdale Lakes Kiwanis, said she was stirred by her conscience to start the event in 2002.

“I always felt a burden for the homeless, but when I did some research all I saw were the children,” Earle said.

She offered the idea of Christmas in July so Kiwanians could help homeless families cope with back-to-school season when kids need new clothes, books and school supplies the most.

Members of District 23 in North Broward and District 24 in South Broward joined in like a chorus of carol bells.

“There was no hesitation,” Earle said.

Collection drives
Clubs in every Broward city every year since have sponsored yearlong collection drives for new school clothes, books and every imaginable school supply from pencils to backpacks. Toys are an extra bonus.

The Broward County Commission joined the effort in 2005 and set up about 37 collection locations at government buildings countywide.

Alinda Montfort, of the county’s Office of Public Communication, said nearly every department participates—the Department of Environmental Protection hosted an ice cream fundraiser.
“It turns out that everything is donated by Broward residents or Broward workers . . . but unfortunately Santa’s list get longer every year,” Montfort said.

Nonprofit agencies
Children squealed with laughter and parents or guardians, supported by more than a dozen nonprofit social service agencies, teared in gratitude when the gift giving began.

“Thank God for wonderful people,” said Lester Barton, whose wife and three children are currently living at Broward Outreach Center for the homeless in Hollywood.

Barton, formerly of Fort Lauderdale, said he moved into the center about two weeks ago after he was laid off from his job earlier in the year, and then lost his home a few months later. He said he never experienced such need in his life.

“But somehow, just being here today, and being able to hold on to my family with help from so many great people, makes me a proud father again,” Barton said.