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On Saturday, December 7, Mrs. Xiomara de Menéndez hosted the grand finale of Café De La Leche 2024, a highly anticipated event that brought together members of the Casa de Campo community to celebrate Christmas with a spirit of solidarity. Held at the home of Xiomara and her husband Papo Menéndez, the event kicked off at 5 p.m. and became an afternoon filled with sweets, treats, and a strong holiday spirit, all in support of the children at the Hogar del Niño.

Café De La Leche 2024 is an initiative that has made a significant impact, and this year was no exception. This traditional event raises funds and food for the institution, with a special focus on the milk consumed by the youngest children in the home’s Infant Room. Thanks to this campaign, 80% of the milk consumed is provided, equating to more than 900 bottles daily for the most vulnerable babies and children. It is a heartfelt effort that aims to ensure the well-being of the little ones, from birth to their early years.

The event also provided an opportunity for the women of the Casa de Campo community to gather and catch up, sharing moments of joy and reinforcing their commitment to continue supporting causes as important as that of the Hogar del Niño. This annual event is one of the most cherished and awaited by the community, who enthusiastically join in to support the children at this educational and care center.

A Home for the Future of Over 1,500 Children

The Hogar del Niño, located in the town of La Romana, just outside Casa de Campo, is a center dedicated to the education and care of more than 1,500 children. Ranging from a few weeks old to 18 years old, the children receive comprehensive care from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. The center provides not only care but also formal, special, and vocational education.

At the Hogar del Niño, special education services are also offered to children with visual or hearing impairments, and there is a vocational school where over 235 students receive training in various fields, such as sewing, industrial maintenance, electrical installation, and computer programming. Thanks to the collaboration and solidarity of people like Xiomara de Menéndez and her community, the Hogar del Niño continues to provide hope and opportunities to thousands of children.

Pictures by Mairobi Herrera.