A Day for Children at NSU

By Nicole Shaker •

NSU hosted its 23rd annual A Day for Children in the Alvin Sherman Library Quad on Oct. 21 in collaboration with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. The event is meant to showcase health and wellness services available for South Florida children while bringing the community together for family-friendly activities.

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the U.S. representative for Florida’s 25th congressional district, has been attending the event since 2010. Her team has also been a part of organizing it.

“A Day for Children is an opportunity to help make sure that the community can have a one-stop shop and have access to so much information where they can make sure they can take care of their children,” Wasserman Schultz said.

This event is particularly important to her.

“Children’s safety in particular has been one of the major parts of my legislative agenda throughout my state and federal career as a legislator because children don’t have the ability to make sure their guardians, their parents, their supervisors, look out for them,” Wasserman Schultz said. “So often they need the law to be able to be strong enough, to be able to protect them when that layer of protection isn’t there.”

The event featured many stands and activities from South Florida vendors and organizations.

Taylor Mateo, Davie Fire Rescue firefighter, helped run a stand giving out toy firefighter helmets and stickers to children.

“It means a lot because growing up, I always saw firefighters come out and them being super-friendly and teaching me about the service made me want to be a part of the community,” Mateo said. “So seeing these little kids, passing out helmets and stickers, and seeing the way they smile means a lot to us.”

There were also stands for the Davie Police Department and the Broward Sheriff’s Office. Captain Renee Peterson with the Sheriff’s Office said her team comes to the event to try and bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community.

“It’s important for our law enforcement professionals to come together in solidarity for any event that supports families, especially our youth,” she said. “Community is not at our district office. The community is out at events like this.”

There was also a large stage for local performers. The Florida Children’s Theatre has been performing at the event for the last three years.

“We aim to make everyone feel great about themselves, feel happy, and we love creating an environment that feels safe and secure,” said Kai Bui, a member of the Florida Children’s Theatre. “We have a very amazing time every time we come, so it’s been great.”

Zara Wilson, 6, who attended with her mother, said she had a great time at the event. Her favorite part was getting “the toy of [her] dreams,” a miniature squishy.

Wasserman Schultz said college students have a unique way to support children.

“College students have one foot in both camps, one foot into adulthood and one foot still in childhood,” she said. “So I think for college students, an event like this is a way to show them how they can give back and help make sure the next generation of children that come behind them have an opportunity to thrive, maybe avoid some of the pitfalls that students might make, help keep them safe.”