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This summer, the FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association delivered a heartwarming surprise in Newport Richey—a collection of toys for the nonprofit Pasco Kids First. The toys, brought by members of the FBI, provided a special kind of Christmas in July for children in need.
A Special Delivery
The toy drive, initially started during the COVID-19 pandemic, was created to bring hope and happiness to children experiencing neglect or trauma. Andrea Oprea, the Public Affairs Officer for the FBI's Tampa field office, and Jack Hakim, the President of the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association, shared insights about this meaningful initiative. Hakim reflected on the origins, noting, "We realized that some kids couldn't have parents, grandparents, or siblings with them in hospitals. We wanted to give them a ray of hope and maybe some happiness."
Making a Year-Round Impact
The toy drive is not limited to the holiday season. Although many charities focus on giving during Christmas, the need for support persists throughout the year. The FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association has made it a mission to address this by delivering toys during the dry months of July. This year, they distributed an impressive 2,500 toys.
The FBI Citizens Academy: A Community Initiative
The FBI Citizens Academy is an eight-week program open to community leaders and business owners, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Participants learn about the violations the FBI investigates and how the agency interacts with the community. Upon completion, graduates can join the Alumni Association, which supports community engagement and outreach initiatives.
Oprea explained, "We invite community leaders and business owners to come in and learn about what the FBI does. After graduation, if they wish, they can join the Alumni Association, which helps support and assist us with community engagement."
Alumni in Action
Jack Hakim, a 2019 graduate of the program, praised its impact, stating, "This is the most amazing program I've been through. It helped open up my eyes about what is going on in our community and how we can advance the mission of the FBI." The Alumni Association plays a crucial role in supporting the FBI's outreach efforts across 18 counties in the Tampa area.
A Million Hours of Volunteer Work
Nationwide, the FBI Citizens Academy program boasts 53,000 graduates, with 10,000 actively engaged alumni. Together, they contribute approximately one million hours of volunteer work annually, serving as ambassadors and pillars of support within their communities.
Continuing the Journey
This week, the journey continues with visits to Mary Lee's House, Tampa General Hospital, and St. Joseph's Hospital. Soon, the team will bring joy to children at the Sarasota Child Protection Agency. The mission is clear: to spread happiness and hope to children in need. With the support of partners and dedicated team members, the FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association is making a positive impact on the community.
In July, over 2,500 toys have been delivered, a testament to the commitment and heart of those involved in this wonderful initiative. This Christmas in July reminds us all of the importance of giving and the profound difference it can make in the lives of children.
