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(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz made the holidays a little brighter for pediatric patients at University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital by dressing up as Santa and distributing toys on Saturday, December 13. More than 250 children attended the Kids & Families Foundation’s 7th Annual Day with Santa, which aims to bring gifts to young patients diagnosed with cancer or other serious chronic illnesses. Commissioner Diaz gave away more than 1,000 gifts, which consisted of dolls, sports equipment like basketballs, mp3 players, make-up kits for teen girls, and educational games. Each child received at least four gifts.
In addition to the toy giveaway, the children also enjoyed food, Christmas carols, and activities like arts and crafts, face painting, and storytelling. The toys were collected at Kids & Families’ Red Affair fundraiser at Vizcaya on December 5.
Photo Caption 1: 5-year-old Abigail Estevez, 4-year-old Cole Estevez and 2-year-old Luke Estevez get a visit from Santa Claus (aka Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz) during Kids & Families 7th Annual Day with Santa at UM/Jackson Memorial Hospital on December 13, 2008.
Photo Caption 2: 5-year-old Gildiana Soza (left) gets a hug from Santa Claus (Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz).
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