A mother’s love keeps her daughter’s memory alive

For most families, Christmas is all about spending time with family and opening up presents. For Angela Baker, it is about remembering her daughter and giving back to the community. Baker’s daughter Erica — who was diabetic — passed away on March 7, 2011.
While Baker’s family is forced to cope with the loss daily, family members and fellow co-workers who knew Erica, are celebrating her memory and honoring her legacy of community service to local youths with their Winter Wonderland toy drive and Christmas Pageant.
“We are driven by the memories of how Erica committed her life to bringing joy to as many kids as possible,” Baker said. “She truly loved to see them smile.”
Baker said that she noticed immediately how those who were touched by her daughter’s charisma stepped out and showed their support for the extensive undertaking of providing South Floridian youths with holiday gifts. The coordinators have been fundraising and there are still people joining in to lend their time to the noble cause.
“We will be having raffles featuring a 50 inch flat screen TV and more,” Baker said. “One of the key events is the Miss Winter Wonderland 2012 contest on December 17th. Our smaller events continue to evolve as more people get involved, the ultimate goal being to raise as much funds for our kids.”
While the goal to bring Christmas to many may seem like a daunting task, Baker said she could think of no other way to honor the memory of her daughter.
“I can’t think of a better way to honor Erica’s life than by continuing to help the kids she loved so much.”
The toy drive will be held at the Westin Diplomat in Hollywood on December 20th. To make sure that all children receive a present Baker said that all who attend must acquire an invitation to the event.
Despite Christmas being just around the corner, Erica’s family would still appreciate any help that anyone is willing to offer. All inquiries can be directed to the chair of Kids World Inc., Nakia Harris ewwonderland@gmail.com.

By Ju’lia Samuels
jsamuels@miamitimesonline.com