Christmas arrived and with it the visit of Mrs. Claus

For fifth consecutive year, Mrs. Claus will be traveling the streets of Jacksonville! It is now a tradition to see Mrs. Claus touring the city surprising working families who, despite their efforts and because of the economic commitments that running a home entails, do not have the means to provide to their children with Christmas gifts. Norma Martínez Foundation Inc., every year ends the season of helping the community with visits to hundreds of children who are surprised with Mrs. Claus visit, distributing toys for children from 0 months of age to 17 years of age. Mrs. Claus also has the habit of visiting motels throughout the city where children who have been displaced from their homes reside, due to evictions because of  the excessive increase in rent payments and the lack of aid that allows them to remain in stable homes. “Living in a motel can be very expensive and the living conditions for so many children who find themselves in these circumstances are not the best or the safest. For this reason, we try to visit some motels in the city and we approach the offices to identify the children who are permanent residents of the facilities and to be able to bring a moment of joy within the unfortunate situation of not having a home and being “homeless invisible to society and to the  government social aid agencies,” said Norma Martínez. “This year, in addition to the toys, they will also be collecting personal hygiene items that will be distributed among young people with disabilities over 14 years of age who are not considered to receive gifts during Christmas since all agencies establish 12 years as the maximum age to receive gifts”, added Martínez.

The Foundation will be accepting donations of:

*Diapers size small/medium

*Ensure Plus Shakes

* Wipes

*Toilet paper

*Shampoo and conditioner

*Lotions and perfumes

*Soap

*Legos

*Medium size cars that make sounds or have lights

*Balls

*Plush Animals

*Toys for children between the ages of 0 to 17 years of age

What services does the foundation provide to the community?

The Norma Martínez Inc. Foundation is always active carrying out different activities throughout the year with the purpose of changing the world, touching the life of one person at a time. For this reason, it organizes several activities and provides services such as:

*Birthdays to children whose families find it difficult to celebrate such an important date.

*Assistance with school supplies, uniforms and clothing for needy students.

*Assistance and guidance in the enrollment process. Referrals for admission to the ESOL program and for evaluations of children with educational problems in need of having an IEP established.

*Help to apply for state and federal aid services such as: SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, SSA, among others.

*Advice in housing discrimination and wrongful evictions situations  and referrals for legal assistance.

*Helps families to obtain furniture, clothing, food and other necessary items.

*Help and referrals to obtain employment.

*Assistance to receive help for mental services and treatment to treat addictions.

 *Referrals for legal assistance.

*Assistance to victims of domestic violence.

*Translation services.

* Counseling and referral for services to crime victims.

*Help and aid family members in the process to transfer crime victim bodies to their countries of origin so that they receive burial in their birth places and their loved ones can say their final goodbyes.

*Help perform weddings for couples in economic disadvantage.

* Offer guidance and advice in times of crisis.

*Offer support with baby items, clothing, diapers, formula, etc. to moms.

*Distribute food to families in need.

*Distribute basic necessities to seniors abandoned in nursing homes.

*Provide baskets during the  “Easter” celebration to children.

*Provide “Thanksgiving” dinners for families in need.

*Send clothing, shoes, and other necessities to families in need in other countries.

*Encourage senior students to maintain good grades and guide them so that they can access student aid programs to obtain scholarships that allow them to go to college.

*Keep the community informed through community fairs and the only bilingual website in the city called NEWS904.com

Without the valuable cooperation of the community, none of the things done by the Foundation will be possible. They invite everyone join their efforts and participate actively. If you are interested in helping, you can reach out by email at: normamartinezfoundationinc@gmail.com.