Last year, Miami Lakes resident Erika Castroman came up with the perfect idea to help homeless people during the Christmas holiday season.
She passed out 50 backpacks filled with washcloths, combs, hair brushes, toothpaste, tooth brushes, hand sanitizers, deodorant and small non perishable food in the Downtown Miami area.
Her crusade was so successful, she decided to make it an annual event, as she’s preparing to hand out 100 backpacks on Christmas day filled with items of hygiene and food such as granola and fruit bars, goldfish and individual cereal cups and fruit juices.
Last Christmas, Castroman, a star softball player at St. Thomas University and product of the Miami Lakes Optimist Club, was on her way to her relative’s house to celebrate the holidays when she spotted homeless people wandering around the streets or sleeping under the facades of buildings.
The backpacks she had for presents for her family members, she decided to give them to the destitute people to help lift their spirits.
She was able to accomplish her goal with the help of local businesses and residents, who donated the money to fill the backpacks with those items and food.
Passing out 100 or more backpacks to the homeless would be a great Christmas present for Castroman.
The Miami Lakes Sports Shop, 6763 Main Street, which is among the sponsors, is the drop off point for donations.
For more information, call 305-557-0356.