For the last four years, Nuestras Raíces Centro Comunitario (NRCC) has made these holidays special for many Hispanic and Latino families in Spokane through its Esperanza (Hope) program, — a social service and wellness program that advances food security and mental health in the community.
Local families and kids attend the Posada to have a fun evening full of activities, including musical chairs, piñatas, photos with Santa, a Ballet Folklorico performance, food, cookie and ornament decorations, and a vaccine clinic offering free shots against COVID and the flu.
During the Posada, more than 180 kids received a Christmas gift, donated by St. Aloysius Church and generous community donors; more than 80 families received a food pantry bag with food supplies to cook pozole or tamales, and three families were sponsored and received Santa gifts.
Fernanda Mazcot, NRCC executive director, said the Hispanic Business/Professional Association (HBPA), which has been serving Spokane's Hispanic and Latino community for over 40 years, has organized this posada since 2020, when COVID-19 started.
Mazcot said they first organized a drive-thru Posada, where families received gift cards to purchase presents and a pass to exchange for food pantry in local markets. Since 2020, the number of food bags and gifts has increased.
This year, nearly 300 people attended the Posada with their families, which was possible with the help of donations to the nonprofit and help from community members and volunteer students from Eastern Washington University Diversified Greek Council (DGC), who helped with kids’ activities.
Hosting a Posada Navideña is a way to gather with the community and bring a festive time and a cultural tradition for many kids and families in Spokane, NRCC said. The center will be hosting the 5th annual Esperanza Posada Navideña next December, hoping to keep making this holiday special for more families and kids in the community.
People who want to donate or sponsor Esperanza Posada next year can contact the nonprofit for more information.
To see more photos of the Esperanza Posada Navideña 2023, check the album here.
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