PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jose E. Rivera
Phone: (503) 359-0446
E-mail: jerivera@centrocultural.org

COMMUNITY: OVER 300 FAMILIES RECEIVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS

Centro Cultural provided 200 individuals with a Christmas dinner and gave away 100 baskets to 100 needy families of Washington County.

On December 21st Washington County residents greeted the holidays with a Christmas dinner provided by Centro Cultural where 200 individuals enjoyed posole (a traditional Christmas meal) in the company of their fellow community members. The evening was a joyous one for families, children and friends who did not have the opportunity for a Christmas dinner in their homes. On Friday December 23rd, Centro distributed Christmas baskets of food, clothes, toys and gifts to 100 needy families. All of the food, clothes, gifts and toys were donated by corporate, small business, local churches and individuals. The two events marked a holiday all community members will surely remember.

“Centro impacted my life especially because of their generosity,” Darla Bonn said, “If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be having a Christmas this year.” Darla, as many others, was one of the 100 benefactors of the Christmas baskets Centro Cultural gave away on the morning of December 23, 2011 .

In 1972, a group of 14 migrant families from Texas banded together and decided to make Oregon, specifically Washington County their permanent home. Those families early on identified a need and in doing so created community among the families who were able to communicate and advocate for both respect and equality. This struggle to be accepted, recognized, respected and trusted was the driving force to successful collaboration between the families and eventually the community. This collaboration exists today 40 years later because 14 Latino families planted a seed and from that seed has grown Centro Cultural of Washington County, a highly successful organization.

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