Holiday Wishes party makes spirits bright for Miami kids

MIAMI -- Santa got some help from the Marlins on Wednesday morning at loanDepot park.

Outfielder/designated hitter Jorge Soler, first-base/outfield coach Jon Jay, alumni Gaby Sanchez and Charles Johnson as well as Billy the Marlin participated in a Holiday Wishes party for approximately 100 students from Alpha Charter of Excellence School.

"It's my first time being at an event like this. It's a great event, [and I’m] blessed to be part of it and help the community with the kids," Soler said via an interpreter.

The annual event, which teams up the Marlins, the Miami Marlins Foundation and Maxsip Telecom, spreads holiday cheer by helping underserved families. The students go on a field trip to loanDepot park, where they enjoy arts and crafts activities, interactive games on the outfield, a photo op with Billy The Marlin dressed in his Santa Claus outfit and holiday treats and gifts. Each student received a gift from the Marlins and Maxsip Telecom, a Santa hat, a bat and ball set and a holiday ornament they designed at the party.

Maxsip Telecom, an authorized internet service provider partner of the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, provides internet to low-income families and households that qualify for the program. Maxsip Telecom is the official ACP internet provider of the Marlins and is working together with the Miami Marlins Foundation with the mutual goal of bridging the internet divide.

"I used to have a bowling event here running in the offseason, but it's nice to be able to wear the Marlins uniform and really impact the community here," said Jay, a Miami native who recently was announced to manager Skip Schumaker's coaching staff. "I was these kids. I grew up here, so I know what a treat it is for them to come here. I'm always up to do whatever I can. I look forward to doing more of these activities."

Soler, who signed with the Marlins last March but was limited to 72 games in 2022 due to back trouble, has been working out four times a week at the ballpark. Once Soler finished up on Wednesday, he put on Santa's red coat and handed out presents.

"Christmas is very important here in the States, especially now as a father with my kids," Soler said. "They grew up knowing how special Christmas is. But for me back in Cuba, Christmas is a little bit different. Things aren't the same over there. The traditions don't carry over. For us, it's more Three Kings Day in early January. That carries more significance."