This year, the Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid (VIA) organization hosted its eighth consecutive Christmas Dinner and Toy Drive, an event that has become a symbol of solidarity and hope for the migrant community in New York City.

VIA’s Christmas Dinner brings the most authentic flavors of Venezuelan cuisine to life. The menu includes hallacas, pan de jamón (ham bread), ensalada de gallina (Venezuelan Chicken Salad), torta negra (Black Cake), and ponche crema (Punch Eggnog), transporting attendees to warm memories of their roots. This year, the organization served 300 meals and distributed nearly 200 toys to children, bringing joy to families in need during the holiday season.

Niurka Meléndez, co-director of VIA, emphasized the impact of this initiative, which began in December 2017. “On average, we’ve delivered over 2,100 meals and more than 2,500 toys over the years. This is a day filled with emotions, one of our most iconic activities, and we are incredibly proud to see how those who were once beneficiaries are now part of the team making this beautiful event possible.”

Meléndez highlighted that the event is more than just a celebration: “It’s an honor to see that those who have received this gesture of solidarity want to pass on that same joy to the new migrants arriving in New York. VIA is truly a multiplier effect when things are done from the heart.”

VIA’s Christmas Dinner and Toy Drive is a powerful reminder of how unity and empathy can transform lives. This event not only nourishes bodies but also lifts spirits, reaffirming VIA’s commitment to the migrant community and its mission to build a future filled with opportunities and hope.

For more information about this initiative or how to collaborate, visit VIA’s website or follow them on social media.