Spreading Our Love

On December 16, 2011, various organizations of Texas A & M International University joined forces and all together delivered toys and smiles to the children of the Sacred Heart Orphanage (SHO).

The organizations who took part in this event were: Club Alma Gitana, TAMIU Dance, TAMIU Young Dancers, TAMIU Police Department/ Roughnecks, Art Club, and Sigma Nu Delta.  The event started at 5:00 pm and it took place at the SHO cafeteria, the members of the various organizations stood anxiously as they waited to meet the children. For some of the students present it was their first time attending the event, and they were eager to meet and play with the children. Minutes later the children entered the cafeteria and one by one they all greeted and personally thanked each person present at the event for taking the time to visit with them.

Belinda Jasso, Vice President of Sigma Nu Delta, described her experienced as "rewarding". She claimed that this is not the first year the fraternity team up with other clubs to visit with the children of SHO, but that it was her first time attending the event. She explained that the members of the fraternity and other organizations each were assigned a child and they all worked together, so that each child got a present.  Jasso added that her visit to the orphanage was something "new and very rewarding".

Andrea Vazquez, Assistant Professor of Dance Department, explains, "Events like this are perfect for TAMIU students to take their time and do something meaningful."  Vazquez claimed that visiting the orphanage should be something that students should do at least once in their lifetime. She encouraged students to participate in activities that will help not only the community but with children who are less fortunate. In addition, Vazquez congratulated and praised the students and organizations that took part in the event, for all their hard work, and desire to put smiles on the children's face during the holiday season.

The children and members of the organizations all played and laughed throughout the event.  The activities ranged from "Simon says" to "La Vibora de la Mar", the children also learned to dance some of the Christmas classics and even bust some hip hop moves. After dinner, the children got to meet the Chi-fil-a cow, which they hugged and took pictures with. In addition, the children of the SHO showed their gratitude to all the people present by singing a Christmas song. Some of the children sung other songs, danced, and even played an instrument.

If you or your club would like to visit or want more information about the Sacred Heart Orphanage, you can check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ Sacred-Heart-Orphanage.

(Evelyn Camero may be contacted at evelyn_camero@dusty.tamiu.edu)