MEET LEONIZA A MEMBER OF THE NUTRITIONISTS AND FRIENDS IN ACTION(NAFIA)

With Leoniza in the house, things will get done.  She sets the groundwork, making this a group effort. She is the "flyer girl" who generously gives of her time to produce a flyer that showcases the theme we want to capture and comes up each time with fine art on display.  She is also the document producing wizard that makes charts to keep CHOOSE TO CARE (CTC) records together.

These CTC community events may seem to fall into the small category but requires a huge amount of effort, time and energy to accomplish.  Yet she embraces the tasks,read between the lines to understand my over the top requests, gets the troop together(NAFIA Members) and jump on the wagon to get the show(shoe distribution event) on the road.

As if she did not have enough demands put on her, she finds her way in the "Test Kitchen" playing with the recipe the we want to share with our community, until she gets it right.  One such food that comes to mind is the falafel, that delicious garbanzo bean dish that she knew nothing about nor even tasted before.  Fundraising for our events means baking that delicious cassava cake, that she sells out in a New York minute.These acts of kindness visibly states "I am in" and "I am willing to offer a helping hand."

Shopping and packing can be added to her resume for volunteer services.  When you make preparation for CTC's events alongside Leoniza, the package she leaves you with:

• will make you into a cheerleader for CTC
• allows you to join in spirited solutions
• helps you to explore new possibilities
• gives you an edge and you won't stop until you reach the finish line 

Leoniza says:

 Upon learning about the CHOOSE TO CARE organization and got to know more about the mission and how it started, I said to myself, "I want to be part of it."  From the founder to the members and all volunteers involved, the passion and commitment are evident.  What I like best about connecting with CHOOSE TO CARE is seeing the results of our hard work and the joy that we give to every single child receiving a brand new pair of shoes.  I celebrate with the mothers of the children we serve,as they express their appreciation and gratitude to all NAFIA members for taking the time to share important nutrition messages and tips on how we can all save the earth by doing our part to live healthier in our communities.

"Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference." Kathy Calvin, President of the United Nations Foundation.

I take part in the shoe distribution events because there is a feeling of satisfaction after we complete each event from start to finish.  Success should not be measured by how much you have but by how much you give back. I share whatever talent,knowledge and skills I am blessed with and use these gifts to help the community. What good will it serve if all these good tidings are kept in hiding. There is a need to educate families on how to live a healthier lifestyle.  There is a sense of responsibility to connect with the community and bring awareness to healthy living, one event at a time.

Thanks Leoniza for this wise investment in our communities.

"How can a title less creature be of help, I keep asking myself.

This is the work of the famous.  But I know better and I begin

once again, that unfinished job."

psw