MIAMI.- Despite the signs of rain, residents of South Florida received this Wednesday the traditional ‘Christmas java’ from the Latin Chamber of Commerce (CAMACOL) in the Miami sector of Little Havana.
Food baskets valued at more than $100 were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to people in their vehicles, a form of delivery that has been in place since the COVID pandemic.
Rafael Rodríguez, the first in the extensive line of vehicles to receive his ‘Christmas java’, assured DIARIO LAS AMÉRICAS that he arrived in the area on Tuesday at 10:00 am.
The sixty-year-old of Cuban origin explained that it is the third year that he has participated in food delivery, “because necessity forces you.” He said that he wanted to be the first this year and that’s why “I arrived the day before.”
Among the edible products were pork legs, rice, oil, canned foods, bread and others used for the typical Christmas dinner, which were donated by supermarket chains such as Publix and Sedano’s.
According to CAMACOL, the basket delivered can feed a family of up to six people.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who warmly greeted some of the first people in the line of cars, said that “today is a day of celebration” and thanked the sponsors of the Christmas event that is celebrating its 38th anniversary.
To obtain food from CAMACOL this 2023, it was not necessary to obtain a prior ‘ticket’, as was done in previous years. Cars began lining up on Tuesday morning near the Miami Marlins ballpark.
Jorge Luis Pérez, second in the line of vehicles, stated that he had to sleep in the car so as not to miss his turn. “Now it is better than other times when this was done on foot,” he said.
This year’s food distribution was dedicated to Mario O. Gutiérrez, former president of CAMACOL and PepsiCo executive, who had the vision of starting this altruistic activity with only 20 baskets.
Source: With information from AP
