When it comes to helping neighbors, Wish Book shows us Miami has a lot to be proud of | Opinion
For 125 years, the Miami Herald has helped the community during the holiday season through our Wish Book campaign aimed at assisting South Floridians who need it the most. The needs this year are just as acute as they were in 1982, when we launched the first campaign.
Wish Book was created in the belief that if people in our community can understand the struggles others are facing, they’ll rise to the occasion. Time and again, Miami has done just that.
Last year, the charitable effort granted wishes for over 180 South Florida families and raised $285,000 in funds. “Every contribution, no matter the size, helps restore hope and stability to families right here in our community,” Roberta DiPietro, Wish Book coordinator, told the Herald.
The family of North Miami-Dade resident Pauline Dufresne is among those who need help. In July, Dufresne went to Sam’s Club — and came home to find her house engulfed in flames. Without insurance, she and her four children have been staying with neighbors across the courtyard from their home, sleeping on two couches. Her husband is staying with another friend. Dufresne’s car was repossessed and the bills for the house continue to pile up. The family is trying to put their lives back together, and is struggling to regain its footing.
Sant La, a nonprofit social service agency that serves the Haitian community, has been helping Dufresne, a TPS holder, and the family but the situation is dire. In addition to the help they’ve received, Dufresne and her family need clothing, shoes, hygiene items for the children and, especially, financial assistance to rebuild their home or rent an apartment.
Wish Book works this way: Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald journalists, along with Florida International University students, write stories to about those in need — South Floridians who are nominated by charitable organizations. Sant La nominated Dufresne, for example. We outline the need; you respond. It’s a wonderful example of Miami’s generosity.
Each Wish Book story captures the unique needs of a person or family that has fallen on hard times. Readers respond with gifts to cover all levels of need: a new roof, a rebuilt kitchen, a computer for school or for caregivers, medical equipment or even a piano keyboard, to offer a few examples from the past.
Dufresne and her family are among many people who need help this year. In the coming weeks, the Herald will continue to share more stories of families and individuals who have fallen on hard times. This year, many needs are for staples.
“In past years, wishes often focused on gifts or special experiences. This year, the requests are much more basic — food, clothing, laptops for students and housing help,” DiPietro said.
We are impressed every year with the generosity of spirit in our community, and we’re sure this year will be no exception. “I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support our South Florida community continues to show through action and donations,” Alex Mena, executive editor of the Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald, told the Herald.
Every contribution made helps fulfill the wish but also provides something money can’t buy — hope. That’s something we can also use more of.
This holiday season, Wish Book reminds us of what is possible. When neighbors come together, they can make a difference for those who need it most. Generosity is woven into the fabric of our community. During the holidays, Wish Book gives us all a chance to show it.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t take much to help — just a good heart and willingness to do what you can.
How you can help
To read our latest Wish Book stories, click here. To donate securely, click here. If you prefer to mail your donation, send your check to Herald Charities, Inc., 11410 NW 20th St., Ste. 222, Miami, FL 33172. For more information, call 305-376-2906.
