BC Toy Drive helps Families in Need

By Jaime Restrepo

BIG CYPRESS — There are plenty of Christmas toys, food and surprises awaiting happy children and parents. BC Seminole Police Department Sergeant Barbara Akin coordinated the drive that collected enough food and toys for seven needy families in the Clewiston area.

Originating as a Big Cypress Team program event, Chairman Mitchell Cypress, Big Cypress Representative David Cypress and Board Representative Paul Bowers, gave their blessings and support, both logistically and financially to the effort.

The idea, originating back in November, commenced with the placement of collection boxes in the Family Investment Center lobby for anyone wishing to donate toys, or non-perishable food. The seven families were adopted from a list submitted by the Clewiston Police Department.

Representatives from the Clewiston Police Department were on hand to receive the collection of toys and food for transport back to Clewiston. Councilman David Cypress and Board Representative Paul Bowers personally handed off the goodies to the Clewiston police officers as Sergeant Akin looked on.

They will oversee the final process of distribution to the selected family members, some of which were very hard hit by Hurricane Wilma. Hopefully, this act of goodwill will bring these families an enhanced sense of Christmas cheer. This goodwill gesture is just one of many Hendry County intercommunity events in the years to come.