On November 17, 2017, dozens of women from the community came together at Manatee United Methodist Church in Bradenton, Florida for a heartwarming event called the Migrant Tea Celebration.
Manatee Church Women United is a cross-denominational group that represents more than 40 churches. The women spend a year planning and making beautiful things by hand.
The Migrant Tea is an opportunity for the group to provide local migrant families with donations of hand-made goods such as blankets, quilts, baby clothes, and other items that families may need.
Speakers at the program included Elena Garcia, Director of Federal Programs of the School District of Manatee County; Michael Escorcia, Coordinator of Migrant Education; and Jose Moreno Hernandez, a former migrant student in Manatee County. Hernandez is the first from his family to attend college.
Kindergarten migrant students from McNeal Elementary School earned cheers, and a few laughs, following their performance at the event.
Afterwards, members of Church Women United presented the children with handmade gifts. The students were proud of their new dolls.
Church Women United then enjoyed refreshments and each other’s company.
The women now start sewing and crocheting blankets and sweaters for next year’s event. Every single item that goes to families of migrant students is donated or made with love.
#WeManatee stands for We are the School District of Manatee County. No matter what challenges we face, we strengthen each other when we stand together.
