Naples Pride and Unidos Immokalee Launch Fundraiser to Reunite Families
Naples Pride is partnering with unidos Immokalee on a new fundraiser aimed at helping children reunite with their mothers after an immigration enforcement action earlier this month in Collier County. The campaign, called “Home for the Holidays,” is raising money to help families cover the cost of traveling back to their home countries after an all-women farmworker bus headed to Pacific Farms in Immokalee was stopped by ICE. Thirty-five women were taken into custody, leaving dozens of children behind.
One of those children is 20-year-old Graciela Juarez, who is now caring for her 15-year-old sister and her 13-year-old brother, who has autism. “I have two siblings, and one of them does have autism. So it’s been extremely stressful without my mom,” juarez said. “she would handle all his medications, his appointments, his therapy. And now that all has gone on me.”
This will be her family’s first Thanksgiving and Christmas without her mother. “Every holiday is meant to be with family,” she said. “If one family member isn’t here, it just changes the whole mood.”
Naples Pride Executive Director Cori Craciun said the institution felt compelled to step in after hearing about the families affected. “It’s sad when your family is torn apart,and you go to school,and teachers tell you your mom got arrested and she’s not going to be home when you go home,” craciun said. “We’re just helping people that need it the most.”
craciun reached out to Unidos Immokalee to ask what they needed most.Their answer was simple: money. According to Naples Pride and Unidos Immokalee, a one-way flight to guatemala or Mexico costs around $350 per person. Families then face hours of bus travel to reach their home villages, adding another $100 per person. They also need food for the trip.
unidos Immokalee volunteer Lupita Vazquez is already starting to help by packing bags with snacks or comfort items for the children. “As a mother,I understand you have to do what’s best for your children in those moments,” vazquez said. “One of the most crucial things is trying to get your family back together, and for moms to be able to protect and nurture their kids.”
Naples Pride has raised about $1,150 so far.
the fundraiser runs through Dec. 20.
Donations will go directly to Unidos Immokalee to support travel costs for children affected by the bus stop.