Despite the inclement weather, hundreds of youth, ages 0-12, received gifts on January 6, 2015 in two locations in the greater Humboldt Park Community: in the gym at Roberto Clemente Academy and in the Field House of Humboldt Park. As the kids arrived, volunteers served them hot chocolate and cookies donated by Clemente High School; and the Clemente School Steel Band delighted them with holiday music. A short program was held, starting at the Roberto Clemente’s gym, where Aldermen Roberto Maldonado, Ray Suarez and Ariel Reyboyras, as well the principal, Marcey Sorensen, spoke to the audience. Jose E Lopez, Executive director of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, addressed the meaning of the 3 Kings in the Puerto Rican and Latin American context. Several Members of the Latin American Motorcycle Association (L.A.M.A.) also spoke about their contribution to the celebration. The members of L.A.M.A., under the leadership of Toys for Tots, annually collect the toys which are distributed during the 3 Kings distributed. This annual celebration of the most significant day of the PRCC ritual calendar would not have been Day in Humboldt Park. Following the program, hundreds
of youngsters received gifts from the 3 Kings of L.A.M.A. Members of L.A.M.A. and the Puerto Rican Cultural Center then moved to the Humboldt Park Field House where the same program was held and more gifts were possible with the support of East Town Bikes, DSBDA, Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Puerto Rican High School, Brenda Torres, Nereida Aviles, Clemtnes’s ACA and LAMA.
By PRCC staff
