Foto: ecclesandbosco.blogpost
Immigration activists disguise pick-up truck as Rudolf to give holiday cheer.
WHERE: LA COLMENA, 88 Canal Street, Staten Island, New York
WHEN: Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24, 2021, 1 P.M.
STATEN ISLAND, NY — As the new variant of the COVID19 takes hold of New York City, immigrant families and communities of color continue to be hardest impact by both the economic and health crisis. Immigrant workers have been hit with unemployment or lost wages even as they do essential work for New York City.
To support immigrant families struggling to make ends meet during the holidays, La Colmena will be giving out toys to immigrant children on Staten Island. In addition to Santa Claus and Ms Claus, the activists have disguised a pick-up truck as Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer to bring holiday cheer.
«Staten Island immigrant workers and their families continue to be on the front line as essential workers. They deliver and cook our food, deliver medicine, and build our neighborhoods as day laborers. We want to ensure that they know that the Staten Island community appreciates their contribution and sacrifice each time they go to work,» said Yesenia Mata, executive director of La Colmena. «A small way we can show our appreciation is by bringing holiday cheer and giving toys to their children and families.»
Cesar Vargas, immigration attorney and advocate added, «my family had little money when we first came to this country. We didn’t have enough for Christmas gifts. But thanks to the generosity of others, my younger siblings and I were able to enjoy the holidays with toys under our Christmas tree.»
«This event is about never forgetting where we come from and to always give back. I am equally excited to dress my pick up truck as Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer to bring music and lights to our event,» he pointed out.
