(From left to right) Eddy Zapata, Vice Consul of the Dominican Republic in Miami; Manuel Almanzar, Consul General of the Dominican Republic in Miami; Soulangel Santana, Vice Consul of the Dominican Republic in Miami; Claudia Puig, Senior Vice President – Southeastern Regional Manager, Univision Radio; Manny Diaz, City of Miami Mayor; Angel Gonzalez, City of Miami Commissioner –District 1; Amada Vargas, Latinos United Director; and Ruben Valdes, President of Juguetelandia by Valsan. Photo: Jorge R. Perez/ City of Miami.

(Miami, Florida) – Miami Mayor Manny Diaz kicked off a toy drive on Thursday, November 29th for the children of the Dominican Republic at Juguetelandia by Valsan, 2547 NW 20 Street in Allapattah.  The Mayor was joined by Miami Commissioner Angel Gonzalez, Consul General of the Dominican Republic in Miami Manuel Almanzar and President of Juguetelandia Ruben Valdes. 

 “I urge everyone to open their hearts to the children in the Dominican Republic and share our good fortune,” said Mayor Manny Diaz. “The holidays are about the children and we have a unique opportunity to bring a smile to their faces.”

The City of Miami hopes to bring joy to the hundreds of children from our Sister City of Santo Domingo.  Heavy flooding from Tropical Storm Noel has wiped out entire towns leaving thousands homeless.

“This is a land of opportunity and I am happy to give back with this contribution,” said Ruben Valdes of Juguetelandia. “I encourage other businesses to participate so that children in Santo Domingo have a toy to play with.”   

Miami residents can drop off their unwrapped toys at any of the following City of Miami Fire-Rescue Stations through Saturday, December 8th, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.