Puerto Rico State Guard Spreads Joy with Toy Donation to Children’s Home for Three Kings Day

On January 4th, 2024, the Puerto Rico State Guard (State Defense Force), led by Commander Colonel Juan C. Santiago, undertook a heartwarming mission. In anticipation of the Three Kings Day, these dedicated service members visited a care home for abused and special needs children located in the central region of Puerto Rico. They brought joy and smiles to the children’s faces by donating Christmas toys, demonstrating a touching act of kindness and compassion. The effort was made possible thanks to the contributions of soldiers from the 100MP, 200SS, and 500EN Battalion Units, who generously donated these gifts. Their actions profoundly impacted the lives of these children, leaving a lasting impression of care and goodwill. This gesture of giving and community service reflects the true spirit of the holiday season and offers a beacon of hope for a prosperous and positive new year in 2024.

Three Kings Day, or Epiphany, is a culturally significant celebration in Puerto Rico, steeped in rich traditions. Historically, children would prepare for the arrival of the Magi by collecting grass, hay, or straw in shoeboxes as a gift for the horses or camels, mirroring the tradition of leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus. This tradition promises rewards of presents and candy for well-behaved children, while the mischievous ones might receive dirt or charcoal. Although Christmas Day has become the primary occasion for gift-giving, Three Kings Day continues to be celebrated with modest, heartfelt presents. Culinary traditions also play a significant role, with the King Cake being a centerpiece. This wreath-shaped cake, adorned with candy-coated fruits resembling the jewels in the Magi’s crowns, often contains a hidden figurine of the Christ Child, bringing luck to the finder.

During the day yesterday, Thursday 04 January of this year 2024, as before the arrival of the Three Magic Kings, leaders of the 400 Multifunctional Brigade of the State Command of the National Guard of Puerto Rico, together with its Commander, Colonel Juan C. Santiago participated in a gift delivery mission in a home of abused and special needs children in the center of the island. The smile of happiness on a child’s face is priceless. It has been a rewarding experience. We must thank the real heroes for this humble gesture. Soldiers of the 100MP, 200SS, 500EN Battalion Units, who made this mission possible, by donating these gifts. They contributed their grain of sand, to positively touch the heart of each of these children for the rest of their lives. Many Blessings to all and may this new year 2024 be a prosperous one and full of many positive experiences.

Yesterday, Thursday, January 04th, 2024, prior to the celebration of the Three Kings Day, Leaders from the 400th Multifunctional Services Brigade of the Puerto Rico National Guard, State Command with the Commander Colonel Juan C. Santiago participated in a Community Service Mission, gifting Christmas toys to a Care Home for abused and special needs Childrens localized in the center region of the island. The happy smile on a child’s face is priceless. It has been a grateful experience. We must thank our true heroes for this humble gesture. The soldiers of the 100MP, 200SS, 500EN Battalions, who’s made this mission possible, by donating these gifts. Their contribution touches each Childrens heart for the rest of their life’s. A lot of blessings to all and may this new year 2024 be a prosperous one and full of many positive experiences.

Source: Puerto Rico State Guard