Not all children are lucky enough to have everything they need to go back to school. But the volunteers of the Coral Gables Fire Benevolent Association and Amigos For Kids try to help as many as they can.

Members of the groups recently distributed 1,200 book bags filled with tools for school, and another 500 bags of food, to children in need throughout South Florida

This was the 18th year for the Amigos For Kids “Back to School” Drive and it was held at Jose Marti Park near downtown Miami. The program identifies less privileged children who would otherwise not have the basic supplies on their first day of school.

“The fire service is always prepared and ready for any situation,” said CGFBA President Jim Gossett in a release. “And just like the fire service, we believe the children in our community should be prepared and ready to begin the school year as best as possible.”

Amigos For Kids has responded every day for 20 years to the diverse needs of abused, abandoned, neglected and less-fortunate children, and their families, through the kindness of donors, staff and volunteers. The group has developed many programs for underprivileged children in the South Florida community and its abuse prevention message, “There’s NO Excuse For Child Abuse!” is now reaching national audiences. To help and to get involved, go to www.amigosforkids.org.

LAW STUDENTS HONORED

For its beyond-the-call achievements, especially in the Hispanic community, the Hispanic Law Student Association at Florida International University College of Law was selected to receive the Law Student Organization of the Year Award.

The Hispanic National Bar Association will present the award at its upcoming 37th annual convention in Seattle. The gathering is the HNBA’s flagship event with many planned activities for legal professionals and students.

In the award letter, HNBA President Benny Agosto Jr. wrote, “The Board of Governors of the HNBA is delighted to recognize the extraordinary achievements of HLSA-FIU and its contributions to the Hispanic legal community and Latinos generally.”

The Latina/o Bar Association of Washington will host this year’s convention and it is expected to be the largest gathering of Latino lawyers, judges, and law students in the United States. Lian de la Riva, current president of FIU-HLSA, said it is an honor to work with the group and attributes its success to the past presidents and executive board members.

“In my opinion, what makes our HLSA so unique is the dedication of its leaders, members, and HNBA liaisons,” de la Riva said. “Our mission is to articulate and promote the professional needs and goals of law students of Hispanic descent and in achieving it we’ve evolved from a small law student organization into a family.”

AID FOR CASA VALENTINA

More than 120 guests enjoyed tea sandwiches and sweets at a gathering to help transitioning youth become independent after living in foster care. The fifth Ann’s Annual Tea Party was hosted by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Coco Plum Woman’s Club at their historic club house in Coral Gables.

Charleen Connor, an established harpist and the daughter of one of the club’s members, also entertained guests. The group raised over $2,500 at the tea and a check in that amount was sent to Casa Valentina. To learn more about this worthy group and to get involved visit www.casavalentina.org.

AUDITIONS FOR YOUNG SINGERS

Does your child love to sing? Now is the chance to help them develop their talent. All boys and girls, between the ages of seven to 16, are invited to audition for The Children’s Voice, a growing community-wide youth chorus.

Artistic Director Jamie Perez Sutta founded the new group in 2011. Sutta earned her bachelor’s degree in Choral Music Education from the Florida State University and her master’s degree from the University of Miami. She said she is passionate about providing opportunities where children can be enriched through music education.

“In our program, children of all cultural and economic backgrounds come together as one to hone their musical and personal skills and to create beautiful music,” Sutta said.

Informal auditions are now underway at Old Cutler Presbyterian Church, 14401 Old Cutler Rd. in Palmetto Bay. Weekly rehearsals are set to begin the first week of September. To book an appointment or for more information, visit www.childrensvoicechorus.org, send e-mail to info@childrensvoicechorus.org, or call 786-216-7003.