From The Reporter
January 2, 2009
The group KISS — Kids in Special Situations — has
done a world of good for my family and many others on this very
difficult Christmas.
My husband and I both
lost our jobs on Oct. 21 and getting our mortgage and other
bills paid has been incredibly difficult. I am still one month
behind. Then just add in my son who is 10 and my daughter who
is 7 asking when can they send their Christmas list to Santa.
On the same day I was
let go from my job, I went to almost every business from Key
Largo School, where my children attend, to Islamorada inquiring
about open positions.
At the school, I spoke
to Dawn Alvarez regarding what had just happened to our family.
She later told me she gave my name to an organization called
Kids in Special Situations, and I would receive a call from
Carlos Del Valle, who runs it.
Carlos called me and
said he would send me a list in the mail for my children to
put down at least 12 gifts and their clothing and shoe size.
On Dec. 22, Carlos called me and said he had a delivery for
my children. It was amazing. He gave me a huge box full of toys,
an outfit and a pair of shoes for both of my children.
I have always participated
in another Christmas foundation called the Angel Tree Foundation,
where you pick a child’s name and you purchase the three
items the child has listed on their angel. Every year I made
sure to pick out a little boy and little girl, one for my son
and one for my daughter. I never really thought there would
be a time where I could not help a child during Christmas, and
that my children would be the ones who need the help.
So if you could please
print my very deeply felt thank you to this very wonderful organization,
the Del Valle family and of course Mrs. Dawn Alvarez at Key
Largo School. They made a very stressful situation bearable,
and my children were pleasantly surprised on Christmas.
Next Christmas I have
hopes to help this organization by donating toys, and I encourage
others to do so as well, since I have personally experienced
the good they do and happiness they bring to local children.
Abby Rodriguez
Key Largo
