Audio By Carbonatix
Worldwide the number of children affected by AIDS continues to grow. In South Africa thousands of so-called AIDS babies are abandoned each year, found by police in trash bins and public bathrooms. Meanwhile the pandemic continues to spread voraciously across the Indian subcontinent. In China, where health officials continually underreport the rate of transmission, especially in rural areas, AIDS continues to kill because of lack of awareness and education.
Here in Miami the situation is comparatively better. Only a handful of infants were born last year with the human immunodeficiency virus, and the cumulative number of pediatric AIDS cases has hovered around 500 since the county began tracking the disease, according to Miami-Dade Department of Health figures.
After arguments fade and the numbers settle, it’s tough to watch the innocent suffer. Though it may seem there is not much one can do about it, there are several ways to help. Locally the Center for Positive Connections, a nonprofit that reaches out to people with AIDS, is in the midst of a holiday toy drive for 100 children who are affected by the disease. The gifts will be distributed at a private party for clients, but the public is urged to donate toys for kids aged toddler to seventeen years old.
“If it wasn’t for these toys most of these kids wouldn’t have any presents at all,” says Sheri Kaplan, founder and executive director of the center. “The people we do this for count and depend on the drive to bring smiles to their families.”
Addressing the dire circumstances in South Africa, a group of local music producers and DJs known as Operation Guardian Angel will be hosting Voice for the Voiceless, a fundraiser for children left orphaned by AIDS. The money raised goes to Shepherd’s Keep, a home for abandoned kids. The founders will be attending the event, which will feature Zulu drumming. Also, DJ Terron Darby will spin world music and deep house, and the group Agape with Nadia Harris will perform.
To donate unwrapped toys to the Center for Positive Connections, call 305-891-2066.
