Article originally published by Betsy Bragg, Optimum Health Solution, Waltham, MA. Thank you Betsy for sharing this great story with us!
We are exceedingly grateful to the D’Alelio Management Company, LLC, for its very generous support and giving a $100 gift certificate to each of 10 children in our Real Kids Real Food healthy afterschool program to spend for essential clothing and special treats at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Saugus on Saturday, November 22, 2014.
The company is dedicated to sponsoring charities such as Real Kids Real Food to improve the lives of those living in the area. Here I am standing between Mitzi D’Alelio Lawler and Gary D’Alelio.
Henrique Ojeda, originally from Mexico, accompanies his children, Joanna, Moises and Jacob. His wife, their mother is a real advocate of healthy food and has been in my Eat to Thrive class for 3 terms preparing to teach the course to parents in Mystic Public Housing in Spanish. Through a 2-year scholarship of Juice Plus, Moises their 11 year old son, is no longer pre-diabetic and she is no longer anemic. She prepares healthy food for her family. Moises comes to the Eat to Thrive class with his mom and is very interested. Joanna is a good student in the Healey School in Somerville. Jacob is a senior at Somerville High School and a Junior Staff Member of Real Kids Real Food.
Moises chose a warm winter sweater and skateboard. For one year he has been asking his mother for a skateboard which the family could not afford. He’s thrilled to have one at last. Joanna says. “I love my new grey and blue sweaters. I ‘ve never had anything so beautiful before. I’m so happy”. Jacob chose a much needed back pack and says, “It will help me with my studies because now I can keep my books and homework in order.”
Luis Montiel, originally from El Salvador, accompanied his children, Leslie age 10 (photo at right). She says, “Thank you for selecting us and God is going to bless you. I like the jacket, shoes and basketball too. My brothers, Christopher, age 7 and Matthew, age 5, love their jackets and shoes. Thank you so much.”
Standing with their mother (left photo), Beatriz Vargas, Karina Morales, an A student in 6th grade at the Healey School, says, “I’m proud of meeting good people. God bless them for what they did for me. Without them, I would not have this warm coat, because Mommie couldn’t afford it. I’m very grateful. They really have a smile for me. I’m so happy.” Her brother, Izzie is delighted to have 6 pairs of warm socks now.
Nicholas Batista, with his father and mother (above, right) originally from Brazil, says, ” I’m thrilled to have new sneakers and a soccer cage. Maybe now I’ll become part of the world champion soccer team.” His sister, Bella, age 6, loves her new winter boots and winter jacket and says,” Now I’m ready for the winter”.