Under the leadership of the U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas, Nicole A. Avant, U.S. Mission staff and family members hosted three holiday events this season bringing joy, laughter and holiday cheer to more than 70 Bahamian children.
On December 17, U.S. Ambassador Avant hosted a special holiday celebration in her Liberty Overlook home for the residents and staff of the Children’s Emergency Hostel that included music, food and pictures with Santa Claus.
The children ranging from ages two to 11 years old received new clothing, toys, books, and toiletries through the U.S. Marine’s annual Toys for Tots program, which collects and distributes gifts donated by members of the U.S. Mission community.
On December 9, the U.S. Marines also distributed Toys for Tots gifts donated by U.S. Customs and Border Protect-ion staff at the Lynden Pindling International Airport to underprivileged students attending a local primary school near the airport.
The U.S. Embassy’s Foreign Service National Employee Association (FSNEA), which is led by the Bahamian staff, also spearheaded a community-wide gift drive benefitting the children of the Nazareth Centre.
On December 16, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission, Timothy Zúñiga-Brown brought holiday greetings on behalf of U.S. Ambassador Nicole Avant as U.S. Embassy staff and their families shared food, presents and Christmas carols with more than 28 children.
