As part of its traditional Share the Magic campaign, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) made Christmas donations to 23 local organizations that provide services to the neediest segments of the Latino and Caribbean communities in Washington, D.C. 

Coordinated by the IDB-DC Solidarity Program, Share the Magic donated more than 1,710 toys, 300 children’s books, 200 gift certificates, 72 boxes of food and $8,650 in cash, all contributed by the Bank and its employees, family members and retirees.

“In these economically challenging times, it is extremely important for us to maintain close relationships with the neediest segments of the Latino and Caribbean communities in Washington, D.C., and to offer happiness and hope, especially during this special time of the year,” said IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno.  “Many of these people don’t have enough money to buy their children and families gifts this year, and it is exactly during this season that they need to know that they are not alone. That is why the Bank is here today, to share the magic of these holidays.”

As part of the campaign, IDB employees visited La Clínica del Pueblo to help distribute the gifts to the children there. La Clínica del Pueblo is a unique health center that provides free services to low-income Latino immigrants in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. “We are very grateful for the support we have received from the members of the community and organizations like the Inter-American Development Bank, who help us bring some holidays cheer to our patients and their families in our community,” said Enrique Cobham, the clinic’s interim executive director.

The donations were distributed at All Souls Church, located in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Washington, D.C. La Clínica del Pueblo was founded in 1983 with one doctor in a one-room clinic, and today has more than 80 employees and more than 100 bilingual volunteers. In 2007, 7,500 patients were seen during 55,000 patients visits.

The IDB provides grants and surplus equipment through its IDB-DC Solidarity Program to local organizations that support the Latino and Caribbean population in Washington, D.C. At the end of 2008, donations will total more than $3 million. The program coordinates a network of more than 500 volunteers, comprising employees, family members and retirees who offer their time and services to the community. The program is run by the IDB’s Office of External Relations.