Dia del niño to celebrate local cultures

Cuidando lo Nuestro | Laredo Morning Times.

Are you ready to celebrate Dia Del Niño? Mexico celebrates Dia Del Niño on April 30 while here in the United States, we observe it on the second Sunday of June. With Laredo being a border city, many of family oriented and youth groups celebrate both the American and Mexican cultures.  

My family has been participating in the Diocese of Laredo, Movimiento Familiar Cristiano Catolico (MFCC) for about 13 years. Every year, MFCC has a family fun day for Dia Del Niño. Last year, MFCC celebrated it at Sacred Heart Children’s Home with the Sisters and the children who live there. We had music, food, games, activities and prizes for kids of all ages. From the All-American hot dog to the corn in a cup, the event is similar to a “Jamaica” except that everything is free. The purpose of the event is to recognize the importance of our children. Encouraging our parents to spend quality time with their children.  

My family had a great time hanging out with the teenage girls from Sacred Heart. The girls enjoyed the Mexican bolis (popsicles) on the scorching day after participating in the sack race, the tricycle competition and other team games. Seeing them smiling and having a good time was priceless.  

Are you ready to celebrate Dia Del Niño? Mexico celebrates Dia Del Niño on April 30 while here in the United States, we observe it on the second Sunday of June. With Laredo being a border city, many of family oriented and youth groups celebrate both the American and Mexican cultures.  

My family has been participating in the Diocese of Laredo, Movimiento Familiar Cristiano Catolico (MFCC) for about 13 years. Every year, MFCC has a family fun day for Dia Del Niño. Last year, MFCC celebrated it at Sacred Heart Children’s Home with the Sisters and the children who live there. We had music, food, games, activities and prizes for kids of all ages. From the All-American hot dog to the corn in a cup, the event is similar to a “Jamaica” except that everything is free. The purpose of the event is to recognize the importance of our children. Encouraging our parents to spend quality time with their children.  

My family had a great time hanging out with the teenage girls from Sacred Heart. The girls enjoyed the Mexican bolis (popsicles) on the scorching day after participating in the sack race, the tricycle competition and other team games. Seeing them smiling and having a good time was priceless.  

In Laredo, there are many youth-oriented charities that work with our children on a day-today basis to improve their welfare and pro mote good health. Since 1946, The Boys and Girls Club of Laredo (BGCL) has been making a difference in the lives of thousands of young people. Their mission is to “inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.”

The Boys and Girls Club provide a safe place for children ages six through twelve to learn and grow. They provide educational and recreational programs that build character and provide life enhancing development skills for about 10,000 registered members. They reach another 20,000 youth through their Special Leagues of Basketball, Flag Football, Volleyball and Track meets.

Besides having music and arts & crafts activities, they have amazing educational programs. They are part of the Texas AIM (Academic Innovation and Mentoring) project which includes 30 hours of instruction, curriculum for 1st – 5th grades and intervention focused programs specifically for those with skill deficits in mathematics and reading. Kids enrolled in this project develop positive social and leadership skills, as well as, self-confidence.

Some of the other educational and development programs offered include Street Smart, Smart Girls, Smart Leaders and Smart Moves. All of these programs are geared to help our youth make the right choices. In line with healthy choices for its members, BGCL partners with the South Texas Food Bank to for a Kids Café and LISD for a supper program. Here the children receive a healthy and nutritious meal and snack to their club members. You can learn more about these programs and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Laredo by visiting their website at www.bgclaredo.org.

In Laredo, there are many youth-oriented charities that work with our children on a day-today basis to improve their welfare and pro mote good health. Since 1946, The Boys and Girls Club of Laredo (BGCL) has been making a difference in the lives of thousands of young people. Their mission is to “inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.”

The Boys and Girls Club provide a safe place for children ages six through twelve to learn and grow. They provide educational and recreational programs that build character and provide life enhancing development skills for about 10,000 registered members. They reach another 20,000 youth through their Special Leagues of Basketball, Flag Football, Volleyball and Track meets.

Besides having music and arts & crafts activities, they have amazing educational programs. They are part of the Texas AIM (Academic Innovation and Mentoring) project which includes 30 hours of instruction, curriculum for 1st – 5th grades and intervention focused programs specifically for those with skill deficits in mathematics and reading. Kids enrolled in this project develop positive social and leadership skills, as well as, self-confidence.

Some of the other educational and development programs offered include Street Smart, Smart Girls, Smart Leaders and Smart Moves. All of these programs are geared to help our youth make the right choices. In line with healthy choices for its members, BGCL partners with the South Texas Food Bank to for a Kids Café and LISD for a supper program. Here the children receive a healthy and nutritious meal and snack to their club members. You can learn more about these programs and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Laredo by visiting their website at www.bgclaredo.org.

Mark your calendars  

LAREDO LITTLE THEATRE: ROCK OF AGES MUSICAL PRODUCTION  

The show will run April 16-26. Visit their website for times and ticket information. www.laredolittletheatre.org.  

LAREDO ANIMAL PROTECTIVE SOCIETY (LAPS): DONATIONS NEEDED!  

LAPS is asking the community to help with essential supplies and needs to help them care for the animals living at their shelter. They need: mops, brooms, puppy pads, trash bags, Clorox spray, dish soap, outdoor brush scrub, dish scrub brush, toilet paper, Clorox wipes, dog treats, wet food and bearded dragon food. Supplies can be dropped off at 2500 Gonzalez Street, Wednesday – Sunday 11am to 6pm. Visit them on social media for more details.  

LAREDO CRIME STOPPERS: DINE TO SUPPORT—EVERY THURSDAY IN APRIL 

Enjoy a delicious meal while giving back! Every Thursday in April 10% of your check will go to support the Laredo Crime Stoppers at P.F. Chang’s located at 2608 NE Bob Bullock Loop from 11am to 10pm. Present the flyer to support the cause whether you dine in or pick up. To get a copy of the flyer find Laredo Crime Stoppers on Facebook, Instagram or visit their website. 

R.B. COWL REHABILITATION CENTER: MOTHER’S DAY TO BLOOM  

Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center (RBC) will be offering respite services for Parents/Caregivers of children with disabilities ages 5-11 on Saturday, May 2nd from 8am to 3pm. Registration is required. To ensure each participant receives full attention and enjoys a meaningful experience, space will be limited. Parents & Caregivers interested in the respite care camp may register their children at our Open House Registration to be held on Wednesday, April 22nd at RBC (located at 1220 N. Malinche) between 3:30 and 5pm. For more information, call RBC at 956.722.2431 

KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF LAREDO: BE AHERO FOR KIDNEY HEALTH  

The event is May 5th at Jett Bowl North from 6pm to 9pm. For more information visit their website www.helpkfol.com or follow them on Facebook.  

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF LAREDO: 2026 BUSINESS HALL OF FAME  

This year’s Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Laureates are Joe Arciniega – Community Leaders, Oscar Omar Lopez—Tejas Financial Advisors, Primo, Rick, Elizabeth & Kandy Walker – S E Legacy Development. The event will be on Thursday, May 7th @ 7pm at the Laredo Country Club. For more information, please contact Oralia Bernal at 956.725.3464 or at obernal@jast.org. 

SOUTH TEXAS FOOD BANK: STAMP OUT HUNGER — LETTER CARRIERS’ FOOD DRIVE 

On Saturday, May 9th letter carriers across the nation will collect nonperishable food items to help stock up food banks for the summer months. You can join the cause by placing your non-perishable food items by your mailbox. Every donation goes right back out into our community to help families in need. For more information visit STFB on Facebook. 

IMAGINARIUM OF SOUTH TEXAS: LIGHT UP THE NIGHT  

Join us for the AEP Free Family Night on Friday, May 15th from 6-9 pm at the Imaginarium located on the main campus of Laredo College (West End Washington Street) Building P-149. For more information, please call 956.728.0404 

LAREDO MAIN STREET: FARMERS MARKET  

The next Farmer’s Market will be happening on Saturday, May 16th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo! Each month features a unique theme, seasonal activities and exciting workshops. Every visit is a new and memorable experience. Whether you’re shopping for fresh ingredients, supporting local artisans, or enjoying live entertainment, the Farmers Market is the place to be. For more information email: lmsevents01@gmail.com.

If you have a upcoming community event or information on a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization you would like to share, please email at 956cuidandolaredo@gmail.com.

Mark your calendars  

LAREDO LITTLE THEATRE: ROCK OF AGES MUSICAL PRODUCTION  

The show will run April 16-26. Visit their website for times and ticket information. www.laredolittletheatre.org.  

LAREDO ANIMAL PROTECTIVE SOCIETY (LAPS): DONATIONS NEEDED!  

LAPS is asking the community to help with essential supplies and needs to help them care for the animals living at their shelter. They need: mops, brooms, puppy pads, trash bags, Clorox spray, dish soap, outdoor brush scrub, dish scrub brush, toilet paper, Clorox wipes, dog treats, wet food and bearded dragon food. Supplies can be dropped off at 2500 Gonzalez Street, Wednesday – Sunday 11am to 6pm. Visit them on social media for more details.  

LAREDO CRIME STOPPERS: DINE TO SUPPORT—EVERY THURSDAY IN APRIL 

Enjoy a delicious meal while giving back! Every Thursday in April 10% of your check will go to support the Laredo Crime Stoppers at P.F. Chang’s located at 2608 NE Bob Bullock Loop from 11am to 10pm. Present the flyer to support the cause whether you dine in or pick up. To get a copy of the flyer find Laredo Crime Stoppers on Facebook, Instagram or visit their website. 

R.B. COWL REHABILITATION CENTER: MOTHER’S DAY TO BLOOM  

Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center (RBC) will be offering respite services for Parents/Caregivers of children with disabilities ages 5-11 on Saturday, May 2nd from 8am to 3pm. Registration is required. To ensure each participant receives full attention and enjoys a meaningful experience, space will be limited. Parents & Caregivers interested in the respite care camp may register their children at our Open House Registration to be held on Wednesday, April 22nd at RBC (located at 1220 N. Malinche) between 3:30 and 5pm. For more information, call RBC at 956.722.2431 

KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF LAREDO: BE AHERO FOR KIDNEY HEALTH  

The event is May 5th at Jett Bowl North from 6pm to 9pm. For more information visit their website www.helpkfol.com or follow them on Facebook.  

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF LAREDO: 2026 BUSINESS HALL OF FAME  

This year’s Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Laureates are Joe Arciniega – Community Leaders, Oscar Omar Lopez—Tejas Financial Advisors, Primo, Rick, Elizabeth & Kandy Walker – S E Legacy Development. The event will be on Thursday, May 7th @ 7pm at the Laredo Country Club. For more information, please contact Oralia Bernal at 956.725.3464 or at obernal@jast.org. 

SOUTH TEXAS FOOD BANK: STAMP OUT HUNGER — LETTER CARRIERS’ FOOD DRIVE 

On Saturday, May 9th letter carriers across the nation will collect nonperishable food items to help stock up food banks for the summer months. You can join the cause by placing your non-perishable food items by your mailbox. Every donation goes right back out into our community to help families in need. For more information visit STFB on Facebook. 

IMAGINARIUM OF SOUTH TEXAS: LIGHT UP THE NIGHT  

Join us for the AEP Free Family Night on Friday, May 15th from 6-9 pm at the Imaginarium located on the main campus of Laredo College (West End Washington Street) Building P-149. For more information, please call 956.728.0404 

LAREDO MAIN STREET: FARMERS MARKET  

The next Farmer’s Market will be happening on Saturday, May 16th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo! Each month features a unique theme, seasonal activities and exciting workshops. Every visit is a new and memorable experience. Whether you’re shopping for fresh ingredients, supporting local artisans, or enjoying live entertainment, the Farmers Market is the place to be. For more information email: lmsevents01@gmail.com.

If you have a upcoming community event or information on a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization you would like to share, please email at 956cuidandolaredo@gmail.com.

Peggy M. Duncan, United Way of Laredo

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