Motherhood has so many ups and downs, but one thing is for sure… When your kids go over and beyond…
PRIDE TAKES OVER!
Throughout the years, I have worked hard to teach my kids the value of helping others. I have taken them with me to wrap presents, deliver food, and sort items, all to instill a love of giving back. Sometimes we succeed, and other times it’s more of a forced endeavor. One thing is for sure, I’m never going to stop. This is what we do, and I encourage them to do it with a smile!
With the pandemic and the strange changes in our world, my daughter Mila began to long for making a difference. She knew she wanted to help children, but wasn’t sure which avenue to take. Mila did her own research, and the next thing I know, it’s October 2020 and the US Marines have arrived at my door with a huge box that needed to be filled with toys.
The US Marines Toys for Tots Foundation was what she was looking for.
When Mila came to the door to greet this crew, they were in shock that they had been dealing with an 11-year-old. Let alone, that this project was all hers, without out help from Mom.
I must say, all of those forced endeavors didn’t seem so bad now.
Toys for Tots is a program led by the US Marine Corp. Their goal is to provide new and unused toys to underprivileged children during the holidays. They began in 1947, with the mission of “helping to bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America’s less fortunate children.”
Traditionally, Toys for Tots is a charity run through private businesses.
It’s rare for one child to take it all on their own. In December 2020, Mila filled her box, summoned her “mom uber,” and went to help organize all the toys in the distribution center at the US Marine base in North Miami. There was tremendous excitement about her participation, and she was welcomed with open arms.
That was 2020. Now in 2021, she has been selected as a Junior Ambassador for the program here in South Florida by Staff Sergeant Montana. He was contacted by the President of Toys for Tots, Lieutenant General James B. Laster, who requested that he nominate “an exceptional young person in the community who you believe exemplifies the ideal of ‘children helping children.’”
It’s an honor to become a Youth Ambassador.
Toys for Tots wants to recognize the youth who support the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program in an extraordinary manner. These youths will serve as representatives for Toys for Tots, as well as act as ambassadors to raise peer awareness and enhance community outreach. These are the youth who have gone over and beyond to help the less fortunate.
Mila is on a mission to make a difference and assure that all children receive a gift this holiday season. She wants to inspire her friends and classmates to get involved and share whatever they can with others.
She currently has 6 boxes placed at various locations throughout South Florida:
Body Preference Personal Training Studio
15455 Dixie Highway, North Miami
New Beginnings Equestrian Center (Elysian Stables)
5895 SW 125th Avenue, Kendall Lakes North
The Village of Key Biscayne Fire Rescue Department
560 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne
The Village of Key Biscayne Community Center
10 Village Green Way, Key Biscayne
Alliance Jujitsu of Key Biscayne
929 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne
Fortune International Realty
260 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne
Additionally, Miami Mom Collective has chosen Mila and her Toys for Tots endeavor as the primary beneficiary of the toy donations at this year’s Cookies with Santa event. Not to be missed, this fun-filled day will take place at Tinez Farms (16405 SW 177th Ave in Miami) on Saturday, December 4th from 9 am – 4 pm.
Collection boxes will be collected on December 8th, and Mila needs your help to fill them with new and unwrapped toys.
To learn more about the program and the Youth Ambassadors, visit www.ToysforTots.org
We moms work hard to assure that our children become “the change our world needs.”
I just want you to know, that even though our kids may not appear to be listening… they really are!
With Love and Light,
Adita
