Celebration of the Holiday Spirit!
December 30, 2021
It was a great pleasure to share the giving spirit over homemade food as CIMI families and sponsors gathered outdoors on Saturday December 18, 2021 for their annual Adopt a Family holiday event. This year 36 families received holiday gifts totaling $26,000 from the sponsors.
Volunteers carefully organized the event of over 100 people at Santa Maria Urban Ministries in San Jose California to ensure the safety of all participants – vaccination, masking, and social distancing. We are grateful for the team of CIMI family moms, volunteers, board members, and the sponsors for their careful attention to details for making this a successful event.
Our Outdoor Venue Organized with Safety in Mind
Delicious Food Made with Love
Being a Filipino, Christmas is very special to my heart. It is the time to appreciate what you have, share your blessings, and spend quality time with family. This year, I am far away from home, but I am keeping the Christmas spirit alive by supporting these wonderful ladies I treat as "Ate's" - which stands for older sisters in Tagalog. I am grateful for the love and the feeling of having a family, especially during these times when I am away from home.
- Kamille Matias, CIMI Board Member
Sponsors Presents Gifts to Families
Once again I am convinced that good and generous people still exist. Thanks to Terry, Mrs. Claudia and all the team that made it possible for me and my whole family to receive gifts at Christmas. As I have said before, a smile on the face of my children is the most wonderful thing a parent can see, and it is in that moment that we realize that all work and sacrifice is worth it.
Thank you very much for all the gifts you gave us, it was just what my children wanted. 3-year-old Julian was fascinated with his monster trucks. 6-year-old Jimena was delighted by the unicorn monster truck, and remote control car (now she can play with Julian), the scooter, and especially the princess dress as she said. 12-year-old Fernanda did not expect everything you gave her. She likes to draw a lot, especially figures of human faces and anime characters. The set to make bracelets and necklaces was also one of her favorites.
Me and my husband did not expect so many gift cards. With the cards we bought things that we needed for the kitchen for our home, I also bought some nice clothes for me. My husband bought special shoes for construction since the ones he had were very worn and needed new ones. I hope in the future I can give back to the CIMI program and help the families that are part of CIMI.
To be honest, I consider that more than a program we are already a family because we all know each other, we support each other when we have a problem and we motivate each other to move forward, but also very important is all the help that CIMI has given us during the most difficult moments.
Thank you, God bless you.
-Leyva-Jimenez's Family
Ivonne, thank you for leading the families to go on a 2k walk before the party. I appreciate your contribution and the great energy you bring to us.
Maya, thank you for all the hours you put into this event to make it a success. Organizing a team to buy the gift cards and preparing them was a huge help.
Kamille, thank you for preparing the Christmas Cards, the long hours of baking at your house, and donating items.
Judith and Jennifer, I really appreciate your support for this program and your donations.
With gratitude,
Aracely Areas
CIMI Founder
CIMI, Inc.
P.O. Box 1743, Los Gatos, CA, 95031
weruncimi@gmail.com
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