Mary’s Center to Host Holiday Celebration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 15, 2016

Contact:

Lyda Vanegas

Director of Communications and Public Relations

lvanegas@maryscenter.org

202-420-7051

Mary’s Center to Share Holiday Spirit to More Than 1,000 Neighbors in Need

During 28th Annual Holiday Celebration, Area-Immigrant Children will Receive New Toy and their Families an Opportunity to Come Together with others

WASHINGTON, DC – On December 22nd, Mary’s Center will host its 28th Annual Holiday Celebration to share the holiday spirit with more than 1,000 neighbors in need as children will receive a toy and families an opportunity to come together with others. The Celebration will take place on December 22nd at the Center’s Adams Morgan location, 2355 Ontario Rd, NW, from 1 – 4 pm. The Center will include a toy distribution station, a photo booth with Santa Claus, face painting, crafts, a raffle and refreshments.

What started in 1988 as a small event to bring smile to immigrant families fleeing war in Central America has become a popular multicultural tradition in a Winter Wonderland setting where families from all over the world celebrate this special time of the season.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the smile of a child with their new toy and the fulfillment of a parent seeing their child’s holiday wish come true,” says Maria Gomez, President and CEO of Mary’s Center. “This is only possible through the generosity of a committed group of friends who believe in the power of sharing. We are indebted to all of them for hosting toy drives and contributing financially to this endeavor.”

Donors to this event include Centene as sponsor, the DC Fire and EMS Department, Capital Hotels, Center for Strategic and International Studies, National Geographic, Roofer’s Union, Hispanic Bar Association, AARP, Association of Corporate Counsel, Inter-American Development Bank, Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Aramark, Boston Properties in Washington, D.C. and Maryland, DC International School, El Tamarindo, Franklin Montessori School – Forest Hills Campus, Greenline Real Estate, Latinas 4 Latinas, Lemon Tree Playgroup, National Council for Community and Education Partnerships, PALCO, Philz Coffee, The Advisory Board Company, The Leo and Lex at Waterfront Station, The Line Hotel, and VIDA Metropole Gym.

“My organization, staff and I have been part of Mary’s Center’s Holiday Party for nearly a decade and, as we see it grow, we continue to be inspired by the joy of the children and the happiness of their entire family as they celebrate in a way they might not be able to without Mary’s Center,” says Antonio Tijerino, President of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and longtime supporter and advocate of the

Center. “I see the Holiday Party as a culmination of Mary’s Center’s year-round service in building healthier communities in the Greater Washington, DC, Area.”

For more information or to donate a toy or volunteer, please call 202-420-7014 or email Stephen Wheadon at swheadon@maryscenter.org.

About Mary’s Center

Founded in 1988, Mary’s Center is a Community Health Center that provides a model of care that includes healthcare, educational and social services to more than 36,000 individuals from over 100 countries. Using a holistic, multipronged approach, Mary’s Center helps each participant access individualized services and find the path towards wellness, stable families, educational success and economic opportunities. For more information please visit us at www.maryscenter.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.