The office of Congressman Charles B. Rangel, City Council Member Inez Dickens, and the Brooklyn-based Caribbean American Center of New York helped celebrate Kwanza and Three Kings' Day on Tuesday, January 8, by giving away toys and other holiday treats to local children and families.

The two-hour event at the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building (163 W. 125th Street.) opened up with a live puppet show by Lucky Rivera, founder and director of East Harlem-based non-profit Positive Work Force, Inc.. Children and families from a variety of organizations were also treated to food, face painting and a dance performance by Harlem-based Uptown Dance Academy.

Also attending the two-hour event at the Adam were a number of Carribean diplomats, including Haitian Consul General Felix Augustine, Grenada Consul General Allen McGuire, St. Vincent & The Grenadines Ambassador Camilo Gonzales and Trinidad & Tobago Consul General Dr. Harold Robertson.

"Although the holiday season may be drawing to a close, the spirit of giving is something extends way beyond the Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanza and Three Kings Day," said Congressman Rangel in a released statement. "Any act of kindness, especially toward those who are going through the toughest of times, not only strengthens our community but also sparks the kind of brotherhood and sisterhood that we so desperately need to tackle some of this nation's greatest challenges."

City Council Member Dickens agreed.

"I am delighted that Ms. Jane Alexander, Executive Director of  the Caribbean American Center of New York has generously supported this celebration of giving and hope for our children," said Dickens, the Majority Whip of the City Council. "The spirit of giving and bringing joy into the hearts and minds of our young is an all year around affair.  In partnership with our Chairman, Congressman Charles B. Rangel and with the support of Speaker Quinn and my colleagues in the New York City Council, I will continue to work on empowering initiatives for the children of my district and our City."

The holiday give-away is being co-sponsored by Caribbean American Center of New York, which for 10 years has been aiding homeless children all across the five boroughs.

"I am very proud the Caribbean American Center has partnered with Congressman Rangel's Office to bring some joy and happiness into the lives of some of Harlem's neediest children and families," said CACNY Executive Director Jean Alexander. "God willing - we will continue this for many years to come."

Sponsors who volunteered and dropped off gifts included the New York City Parks & Recreation Department, Brooklyn Borough President's Office, K.I.D.S. Organization, JW Mays Company, Turner Construction Company, Park Plaza Diner and Calypso City/Rum Jungle Restaurant.

Based in Brooklyn, CACNY serve residents in all five boroughs with a number of services and programs, including job training, internships, immigration/citizenship forums, college scholarships. More than 60,000 adults and children have benefited from its free services since the organization opened its doors in 1988.

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