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Moore Bahamas Foundation Announces $300,000 in Grants for Hurricane Dorian Relief

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NASSAU, Bahamas, Dec. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Moore Bahamas Foundation (“Moore Bahamas”) today announced $300,000 in new grants for Hurricane Dorian relief and recovery, part of $1 million in support pledged by conservation philanthropist Louis Bacon.

The new grants follow Moore Bahamas’ funding for emergency aid immediately after the hurricane and a post-hurricane needs assessment. The grants will help address continuing emergency needs and accelerate recovery of The Bahamas’ spectacular ecosystems and its economy.

“In the wake of Dorian’s destruction, our goal is to support families as they reconstruct the best possible future for themselves and their communities,” said Mr. Bacon, chairman of The Moore Charitable Foundation and Moore Bahamas, its local affiliate. “By supporting environmental restoration and humanitarian relief alike, Moore Bahamas hopes to help the people of Grand Bahama and Abaco get their lives and their economy back on track.”  

Moore Bahamas is supporting organizations that are deploying recovery resources over the next year, including a partnership with the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) to conduct ecosystem damage assessments for the maritime and mangrove habitats of Grand Bahama and Abaco.

“The post-storm assessments funded by the Moore Bahamas Foundation will guide how and where to make the most impactful habitat restoration investments,” said Shelley Cant-Woodside, BNT’s Director of Science. “In addition to fueling The Bahamas’ tourism economy, healthy ecosystems play a crucial role in buffering our communities against the effects of future storms.”

A list of grantees is below. A complete list of the 2019 grants made by Moore Bahamas is available here.

Bahamas National Trust (BNT)

Bahamas Reef Environmental Education Foundation (BREEF)

Friends of the Environment in Abaco (Friends)

GiveDirectly

Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation (GBDRF)

International Medical Corps (IMC)

Paradise Fund

Ranfurly Home for Children

Waterkeepers Bahamas

Waves For Water (W4W)

About The Moore Bahamas Foundation
The Moore Bahamas Foundation, the Bahamas affiliate of The Moore Charitable Foundation, founded by Louis Bacon in 1992, supports organizations committed to marine conservation, working with partners including Waterkeepers Bahamas; The Cape Eleuthera Institute; The Nature Conservancy Caribbean Program – Bahamas; The Bahamas National Trust, and Oceans 5.  Learn more about the Moore Charitable Foundation at www.moorecharitable.org.

Follow: @MooreCharitable

Moore Bahamas Foundation

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SOURCE The Moore Bahamas Foundation

José A. Pilsón’s New Book 6 Pasos Para El Perdón: Salud Emocional, A Spiritual Narrative That Delves Into The Essence Of Forgiveness In A Person’s Life

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ANAHEIM, California, Dec. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book 6 Pasos para el Perdón: Salud Emocional was created by José A. Pilsón. José A. Pilsón is an author who is an expert in the areas of personal growth, couple problems, conflict resolution, addiction management and soul health. He is pastor, founder and president of the administrative board of the Christian Mission Church.

José A. Pilsón said this about his book: “Who knows by the Holy Scriptures what it is to forgive, and in practice forgives, knows the benefits that the forgiver achieves in every sense of the word.”

The author of this very interesting literary work, Dr. José Antonio Pilsón, is a skilled pastor for over thirty-five years; He has been successfully venturing into the ministry of ministerial counseling and marriage partners for over thirty years; but also, he is a doctor in Clinical Psychology. In this work, our writer shows clear evidence that he placed in the hands of the Lord his experiences, his gifts, his experiences and his good secular preparation, so that this precious literary work could be born.

Published by Page Publishing, José A. Pilsón’s new book 6 Pasos para el Perdón: Salud Emocional will enrich readers with insights on forgiveness and how it transforms lives toward self-healing and purposefulness.

Consumers who wish to understand the scriptural significance of absolution in human life can purchase 6 Pasos para el Perdón: Salud Emocional in any bookstore, or online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional New York–based full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.

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SOURCE Page Publishing

Alianza Legal Warns Hispanic/Latino Community

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Alianza Legal - Trusted Spanish Personal Injury Law Firm

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Alianza Legal, a reputable Spanish Personal Injury Law Firm, warns the Hispanic/Latino community that auto insurance companies may be capitalizing on their business.

Alianza Legal - Trusted Spanish Personal Injury Law Firm

Roughly 39% of California’s population is Hispanic or Latino, per the United States Census Bureau’s 2018 statistics. It’s a rapidly growing demographic. California’s auto insurance companies were fast to target this market, but are they serving this community well? Research suggests that auto insurers may be financially benefitting by paying out on fewer claims or paying lower settlements to these customers, who may not fully understand the policies they purchase.

Any victim of a car accident is susceptible to being taken advantage of by insurance companies if they do not have legal representation, regardless of their fluency in English.  Alianza Legal noticed a specific trend with their Spanish-speaking clients and would like to raise awareness within the community.

While potentially unethical, it’s to the insurer’s benefit to serve populations that speak English as a second language. Alianza Legal represents many Spanish-speaking clients for their car accident claims. Their experienced attorneys and case managers see first-hand how often insurers will try to give the run around to the Spanish community.

How Do Auto Insurance Companies Take Advantage of Hispanic/Latino Individuals?

Insurance is complicated. Even individuals with English as their first language can struggle to understand their own insurance policy without the advice of a licensed agent. Unfortunately, despite the vast number of customers who would benefit from Spanish translations for both verbal and written communication, not every insurance company has these options readily available at all times.  A language barrier when dealing with insurance companies can lead to several issues:

  • Customers who cannot read (or have trouble reading) English cannot read their insurance policy, or research available alternative options.
  • They may rely on a family member to translate legal requirements or crucial policy details
  • Eager to make a sale, unethical insurance agents may omit key policy details. They can even lie outright, knowing the customer’s inability to understand the details of their policy. 
  • It’s possible for agents to over-insure a vehicle, increasing the premium paid, to cash a bigger commission check.
  • Adjusters sometimes give “the run-around,” with a barrage of “legalese” to avoid paying a claim.
  • Adjusters are more likely to “low ball” a settlement, because they think the first low offer is likely to be accepted without too many questions.
  • Insurers know this market is less likely to approach a lawyer for assistance. Nor are they likely to file a complaint with California’s Department of Insurance, or consumer watchdog groups.

It’s Not a Race Issue, It’s a Location Issue

The Hispanic/Latino community of Los Angeles County resides mainly in East Los Angeles, Commerce, and Vernon. These areas are heavily populated. The increase in residency in the areas alone makes for more potential accidents. Additionally, roads may not be in great shape. Broken and damaged infrastructure contribute to a significant percentage of traffic accidents every year. Risk of accidents are quite high in these locations. 

Insurers base their rates on “assumed risk.”  Customers who present a higher risk are charged more for the same policy.  While forbidden to charge based on their race or ethnicity, they can price according to location, age, and claims history. Therefore, they can charge higher rates in minority zip codes.

Alianza Legal Can Help

As a law firm that represents many Hispanic and Latino clients, Alianza Legal understands your struggles, and is here to help. Their mission is to provide outstanding legal services, regardless of race or fluency in English.

With multiple Spanish speaking staff members, they deal with the adjusters directly and alleviate the burden of dealing with insurance agents for their clients.

If you’re struggling with an auto accident or auto insurance claim, contact Alianza Legal today at 888-417-1086.

Contact:
Alianza Legal 
888-417-1086
505 N. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1045056/Alianza_Legal_Full_01_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Alianza Legal

SBS To Undertake Recapitalization

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MIAMI, Dec. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (the “Company” or “SBS”) (OTCQB: SBSAA) today announced that in connection with its planned recapitalization, SBS has received a letter from a recognized multinational financial services broadcast lender stating that it is highly confident of its ability to arrange secured debt financing for SBS in an amount of $300 million.  The debt financing will carve out certain non-core real estate and broadcast station assets so that, in connection with the recapitalization, SBS will be positioned to obtain a separate and incremental first lien asset-based financing facility.

SBS intends to use the proceeds from the $300 million of debt financing plus the proceeds of the additional and incremental asset-based funding to repay its existing $249.9 million of 12.5% Senior Secured Notes and to make cash purchases of its existing Series B preferred stock.

“SBS has an established track-record as a leading Hispanic owner/operator of media, having consistently reported industry-leading growth in its ratings, revenues and margins during the last several years,” stated José I. Molina, Chief Financial Officer of SBS.  “SBS expects to deliver a robust and certain return to our existing investors while repositioning SBS to continue its forward operating momentum.  Following closing of the recapitalization transaction, we will continue serving our growing base of millions of Hispanics nationwide with today’s relevant news and entertainment programming, as well as the advertisers that target their dynamic purchasing power and expanding social, cultural and political influence. Likewise, we will implement our long-range strategic plans to create incremental value for our new investors.”

About Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.

Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS) owns and operates radio stations located in the top U.S. Hispanic markets of New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Puerto Rico, airing the Tropical, Regional Mexican, Spanish Adult Contemporary, Top 40 and Urbano format genres, including the global leader in Hispanic radio, WSKQ-FM in New York City. SBS also operates AIRE Radio Networks, a national radio platform of over 275 affiliated stations reaching 95% of the U.S. Hispanic audience. SBS also owns MegaTV, a network television operation with over-the-air, cable and satellite distribution and affiliates throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, produces a nationwide roster of live concerts and events, and owns a stable of digital properties, including La Musica, a mobile app providing Latino-themed audio and video streaming content and HitzMaker, a new-talent destination for aspiring artists. For more information, visit us online at www.spanishbroadcasting.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which are included in accordance with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause SBS’ actual results and performance in future periods to be materially different from any future results or performance suggested by the forward-looking statements in this press release. Although we believe the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from these expectations. “Forward-looking” statements, as such term is defined by the Securities Exchange Commission in its rules, regulations and releases, represent our expectations or beliefs, including, but not limited to, statements concerning our operations, economic performance, financial condition, our ability to obtain and consummate the financing transactions as well as consummate the recapitalization transaction described herein, growth and acquisition strategies, investments and future operational plans. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “forecast,” “seek,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “could,” “estimate,” “might,” “continue,” “seeking” or the negative or other variations thereof or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements, by their nature, involve substantial risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond our control, and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of important factors, including, but not limited to, those identified in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. All forward-looking statements made herein are qualified by these cautionary statements and risk factors and there can be no assurance that the actual results, events or developments referenced herein will occur or be realized. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results.

Contacts:

Analysts and Investors

José I. Molina

Chief Financial Officer

(305) 441-6901

Analysts, Investors or Media

Brad Edwards

The Plunkett Group

(212) 739-6740

Legal

Brad Eric Scheler, Esq.

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & 
Jacobson LLP

(212) 859-8019

 

SOURCE Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.

The Tigo and Ismael Cala Foundations’ Emotional Intelligence Project Changes Hundreds of Children’s Lives in Guatemala

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GUATEMALA CITY, Dec. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Tigo and Ismael Cala Foundations celebrated the completion of the first year of the “El Vuelo de la Cometa” (“Kite Flight”) project in Guatemala, with nearly 500 students from various public high schools in the country graduating from the program.

The students completed a five-month training in positive leadership and emotional intelligence.

“I feel happy, grateful and excited. The testimonials are really impressive. Some schools posted a significantly higher academic performance than in previous years. In addition, there was a change in the students’ self-esteem, in the transformation to positive mindful leadership. We saw how these kids were able to shake off the apathy and hopelessness they had learned. And they were able to create their own blank canvas on which to paint their own dreams,” said Ismael Cala, President of the foundation that bears his name.

The “Kite Flight” project will be expanded to other schools in Guatemala. Next year, the ICF will test it “in at least a second country, Colombia, where we already have powerful alliances,” he added.

“Kite Flight” was created with the purpose of creating a school environment conducive to the development of positive leaders and active students committed to their communities. The program was launched in May and benefited 500 students from five public schools in Guatemala during its first year.

The program consists of a series of 12 training sessions, which allow students and teachers to increase their self-knowledge, skills and leadership and emotional intelligence potential. Topics such as mindfulness, positive psychology, neuroscience and entrepreneurship are taught through games and exercises.

Melanie Reimers, Director of the Tigo Foundation, also attended the graduation.

“A Transcendental Christmas”

The Ismael Cala Foundation also organized “A Transcendental Christmas”, a volunteer service trip in Guatemala to support more than 400 children working to achieve progress and development.

Activities included two days of volunteering at Caserío Chivoc, a Christmas party celebration for children, and visits to community homes and the Center for the Prevention of Child Malnutrition and Human Development, led by Passion Asociación Guatemala.

“We concluded this service trip by getting several children sponsored. As a result, the Center for the Prevention of Child Malnutrition and Human Development will be able to host more children. It was spectacular. We went to give, and we received much more than we gave—from parents, children and volunteers,” said Cala.

Guatemala ranks sixth worldwide among countries with chronic malnutrition. One in two children under the age of five is affected by this terrible scourge.

The Ismael Cala Foundation is committed to the development of emotional and educational leadership for underprivileged children, adolescents and youth in our region and among the U.S. Hispanic population. In order to achieve its mission, the ICF has created several programs such as the Scholarship Channeling program. In alliance with educational institutions, companies and other social development organizations, it fosters education and training for youth through the provision of scholarships for personal and professional improvement courses and/or careers, thus increasing their well-being and social progress.

SOURCE Cala Enterprises

If you purchased Infants’ Tylenol, you may be entitled to cash from a class action settlement

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LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Milstein, Jackson, Fairchild & Wade, LLP of Los Angeles, CA and Heideman Nudelman & Kalik, PC of Washington, DC announce that a proposed settlement has been reached with Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. and Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (“JJCI”) about the packaging of Infants’ Tylenol. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit claim that the Infants’ Tylenol packaging (the text “Infants” and a picture of a mother holding her baby) deceives consumers into believing Infants’ Tylenol is unique/specially formulated for infants, when the bottle contains liquid acetaminophen of the same concentration in Children’s Tylenol, and therefore causes consumers to overpay for Infants’ Tylenol. JJCI denies all the plaintiffs’ allegations of deception, and asserts that the safety features of Infants’ Tylenol, especially the accompanying syringe for safe dosing of very young children, means Infants’ and Children’s are different products. The settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing.

You are included in the settlement as a “Class Member” if you are in the United States and bought Infants’ Tylenol at any time for personal or household use between October 3, 2014 and January 6, 2020.

A $6.315 million fund will be created, and JJCI has agreed to injunctive relief. After deducting administrative costs, Class Counsel’s attorneys’ fees and expenses, and service awards for the named plaintiffs, the balance will be used to pay Class Member claims. Class Members may claim $2.15 for every bottle of Infants’ Tylenol purchased up to a maximum of 7 bottles ($15.05) without proof of purchase or an unlimited number of bottles with proof of purchase. You must submit a Claim Form by April 13, 2020, to receive a settlement payment.

If you are a Class Member and do not submit a Claim Form, your rights will be affected but you will not get a settlement payment. If you do not want to be legally bound by the settlement, you must exclude yourself from it by April 13, 2020. If you stay in the settlement (do not exclude yourself), you may object to the settlement by April 13, 2020.

For more information, go to www.InfantsTylenolSettlement.com or call 1-866-458-2108.
Elkies v. Johnson and Johnson Services, Inc., Case No. 2:17-cv-07320 (C.D. Cal.).

SOURCE Milstein, Jackson, Fairchild & Wade, LLP

Holly Holtzen Named State Director of AARP Ohio

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Holly A. Holtzen, Ph.D is the new state director for AARP Ohio. She begins her new role serving Ohio’s 1.5 million members Dec.16.

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, AARP Regional Vice President Rawle Andrews Jr. announced Holly A. Holtzen, Ph.D., a distinguished policy leader, researcher and the former Chief Operating Officer and Acting Executive Director of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), has been appointed State Director for AARP in Ohio. As Ohio State Director, Holtzen will lead and manage the advocacy, communications and community outreach work of AARP and its 1.5 million members in Ohio.

Holly A. Holtzen, Ph.D is the new state director for AARP Ohio. She begins her new role serving Ohio’s 1.5 million members Dec.16.

“Holly has a career built on collaborating with elected and appointed officials across federal, state and local levels. Her proven ability to advocate and implement strategic priorities that result in tangible results is precisely what will accelerate our mission to serve the 50+ and their families in Ohio,”said Andrews.

“Dr. Holtzen combines impressive leadership skills with a lifetime dedicated to improving the health and social conditions of the underserved. Through both research and meaningful action,” said the Honorable Randolph Baxter, President of AARP Ohio. “We are pleased and honored to have someone with her stature, passion and experience to lead AARP Ohio into the future.”

Holtzen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Leo University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Troy State University. She earned a Ph.D. in Health Services Research from Old Dominion University, where she presented her dissertation on caregiving settings among stroke survivors. Before moving to Ohio, she completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch-Sealy Center on Aging examining the social factors associated with health outcomes among underserved populations in Mexico. 

During her ten years at OHFA, she was able to influence affordable housing policy, including affordable senior housing and assisted living projects. Under her leadership, the OHFA’s Office of Multifamily Housing financed the development of over 5,300 units of affordable housing, surpassing the annual production goal by 53%. 

OHFA also allocated $40.1 million in federal housing tax credits, funding more than 4,434 units across the state. Notably, 4,780 Ohio residents became homeowners through the work of the OHFA’s Office of Homeownership during FY 2019. 

As part of efforts to address Ohio’s various housing challenges, Holly developed the Ohio Housing Needs Assessment. She also overhauled the strategic planning process and implemented agency-wide standards to monitor progress toward Ohio’s housing goals. 

“In addition to her capable strategic leadership and a focus on an improved experience for those her agency served, the work Holly has done to cultivate relationships is particularly impressive. Establishing regular contact with our volunteer leaders, key stakeholders and building new relationships is crucial to achieving our social impact agenda,” said Andrews. 

“The opportunity to lead and be part of a team that is passionate about and committed to this organization and its social mission to fight for and empower each individual to live their best life is one I am grateful to accept,” said Holtzen. “We have a seasoned state AARP team and hundreds of volunteers across that state that I am honored to be working alongside. We will continue to challenge outdated ideas about aging and engage our communities as we work to improve the quality of life for all Ohioans as they live and age.”

Throughout her career, Holly has served on several advisory committees and task forces, including the Ohio State Health Assessment, the Ohio State Health Improvement Plan, and the Age-Friendly Columbus Housing Subcommittee.

Interim state director, Kelly A. Clark, AARP Regional Vice President of the East and Caribbean, will chair the AARP statewide transition team.

“Holly brings a valuable mix of academic and agency leadership experience that makes her a wonderful choice to lead this dynamic team. With her leadership, this team will continue to build momentum with key health and financial security issues facing Ohioans,” said Clark.

“I want to thank Dr. Kelly Clark for her steadfast leadership as the Interim Ohio State Director and Chair of the Ohio transition team. She is leaving our state office team with an incredibly strong foundation. I am looking forward to working with Holly to help build upon that foundation and help ensure AARP Ohio is as good as its promise across the Buckeye State,” said Andrews.

About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1055477/Holly_Holtzen_headshot.jpg

SOURCE AARP Ohio

Get Ready for the Year’s Busiest Mailing and Shipping Week

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Many consumers are in a sprint to the finish getting their holiday gifts and greetings in the mail. This week is anticipated to be the busiest week of the holiday mailing and shipping season for the Postal Service. The agency expects to process and deliver nearly 2.5 billion pieces of mail, including packages, this week alone.

Overall, the Postal Service anticipates delivering 800 million packages between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

The Postal Service has expanded its Sunday delivery operations in select high package volume locations. The agency already delivers packages on Sundays in most major cities and expects to deliver more than 8 million packages each Sunday in December. Mail carriers will also deliver Priority Mail Express® packages for an additional fee on Christmas Day in select locations.

Wrap It Up and Put a Bow on It From Home
It’s predicted that today will be the busiest day for online postal consumers, with more than 8.5 million visitors expected to visit usps.com for help shipping that special holiday gift. It’s estimated nearly 400,000 consumers will use the Click-N-Ship® feature and other online services today to print shipping labels, purchase postage, order free Priority Mail® boxes, and even request free next-day Package Pickup. Plus, usps.com is always open.

2019 Holiday Shipping Deadlines
The Postal Service recommends using the following mailing and shipping deadlines*:

  • Dec. 18 – APO/FPO/DPO (except ZIP Code 093) USPS Priority Mail Express
  • Dec. 20 – First-Class Mail (including greeting cards)
  • Dec. 20 – First-Class Packages (up to 15.99 ounces)
  • Dec. 20 – Hawaii to mainland Priority Mail and First-Class Mail
  • Dec. 20 – Priority Mail
  • Dec. 20 – Alaska to mainland Priority Mail and First-Class Mail
  • Dec. 22 – Alaska to mainland Priority Mail Express
  • Dec. 22 – Hawaii to mainland Priority Mail Express
  • Dec. 22 – Priority Mail Express

*Not a guarantee, unless otherwise noted. Dates are for estimated delivery before Dec. 25. Actual delivery date may vary depending on origin, destination, Post Office acceptance date and time and other conditions. Some restrictions apply. For Priority Mail Express shipments mailed Dec. 22 through Dec. 25, the money-back guarantee applies only if the shipment was not delivered, or delivery was not attempted, within two (2) business days.

New This Year
Mail and packages that weigh more than 10 ounces and/or are more than a half-inch thick using stamps as postage cannot be dropped into a collection box or left for a carrier to pick up. Instead, take them to a window clerk at a Post Office. Click-N-Ship customers are unaffected by this change.  

Additional Tips
The Postal Service also offers shipping tips in 10 video “how to” guides. Each video is less than three minutes long and shows how to address packages, ship packages and pack a box so items arrive safely.

Additional news and information, including all domestic, international and military mailing and shipping deadlines, can be found at the Postal Service Holiday Newsroom: usps.com/holidaynews.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Please Note: For U.S. Postal Service media resources, including broadcast quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel, like us on Facebook and enjoy our Postal Posts blog. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.

More USPS holiday news, including shipping deadlines and letters to Santa, can be found at usps.com/holidaynews.

For reporters interested in speaking with a regional Postal Service public relations professional, please go to about.usps.com/news/media-contacts/usps-local-media-contacts.pdf.

Contact: Kim Frum
[email protected]
usps.com/news

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/645058/US_Postal_Service_Logo.jpg

SOURCE U.S. Postal Service

From the United States with Love & Compassion, Toys for Honduras Deported Children for a Wondrous Time this Christmas!

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MIAMI, Dec. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce announces its national campaign to bring hope, happiness and light to thousands of migrants recently deported to Honduras. The U.S. MCC has launched its 20th annual Hope for the Holidays campaign dedicated this year to the children of Honduras. The program collects toys, clothes, bikes, and gift cards for distribution, reminding individuals and families that they are not forgotten from the people of the United States on this Christmas.

The Chamber is working with national partners to ensure that children who have been deported to Honduras with or without their families, receive a present during these times of incredible hardship for so many people. “It’s amazing how something as simple as providing a toy to a child can change their outlook and circumstances,” said the Honduras coordinator, Veronica España, Senior official of the U.S. MCC in Honduras.

“The mission is to provide more than 5,000 children gifts – enough for every single migrant child deported in the last 6 months  to open a special present over the holiday season on behalf of our nation,” said Doug Mayorga, CEO of the U.S. MCC. ” Christmas and New Year’s Eve are still the most difficult dates for those who, for one reason or another, have been deported after months in U.S. detention centers. We need to heal those sad memories with the generosity of the United States of America.”

To ensure delivery to these children in time for the holidays, cards and donations must be sent in by December 19, 2019 to the following address: 384 Palmetto Drive, Miami Springs, Florida 33166. For more information call (786)406-2190 or by email [email protected]

About the U.S. MCC: A nonprofit 501 c3 economic development business organization with Headquarters in Miami, Florida and operation centers in Washington, DC, Los Angeles, Puerto Rico and New York, recently opened offices in Tegucigalpa, Honduras to bring entrepreneurship classes on opening a business and creating jobs for deported families. The toy distribution is focused on making sure young refugees have the support they need to recover, continue their healthy development, and hold on to the simple joys of childhood. For more information: www.minoritiychamber.net

For Interview and Tax-Exempt Document:
Maria Loaisiga / Public Affairs
[email protected] 

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/722000/1_LOGO_CHAMBER_Logo.jpg

 

SOURCE U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce

Marc Anthony, Javier Báez, and Henry Cárdenas join kids in Puerto Rico to celebrate restored community baseball fields through LISC’s Play Ball Again initiative

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LOIZA, Puerto Rico, Dec. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Little League baseball is coming home to hurricane-weary communities in Puerto Rico.

Today, music icon Marc Anthony and Chicago Cubs All-Star infielder Javier Báez, joined local officials and families to celebrate restored ball fields at Parque de la Comunidad La Ceiba in Loíza, which were demolished by hurricanes that devastated much of the island in 2017. This is the first project completed under a new initiative called Play Ball Again, which aims to restore up to 25 athletic fields and related facilities that will serve 17,500 youth across the island.

“This is a celebration of resilience, just as much as it is of baseball,” said Marc Anthony, as he met community members and cheered the first pitch. “In rebuilding these fields, we can help families take another step beyond the trauma of the last two years toward a stronger, healthier future for our children and their families.”

The $1.6 million Play Ball Again initiative was launched by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) earlier this year as part of a broad effort to spur economic recovery across the island. Maestro Cares Foundation, which Anthony helped form in 2012, teamed up with Good Bunny Foundation and UNICEF USA to fund the first $300,000 in field renovations. Cubs Charities joined the effort with another $100,000, and Kohler Company added its support with donated bathroom fixtures for onsite facilities.

“Two years after these devastating storms, the need to rebuild the island remains strong,” said Báez, whose family is from the Bayamón area. “Cubs Charities understood the need and has stepped up to the plate to help restore baseball fields and give kids throughout Puerto Rico the opportunity to play the game. This rebuild will make a big difference for the community, and I am proud to continue my efforts to restore the island.”

“Since its inception, Maestro Cares has incorporated baseball fields in its work building orphanages throughout Latin America,” added Henry Cárdenas, co-founder of the foundation. “This project allows us to contribute to the restoration of more athletic fields in Puerto Rico and serve children around the Island.”

All told, LISC anticipates that Play Ball Again will restore another two dozen fields over the next year, including sites in Vega Baja, Carolina, Yabucoa, Yauco, Utuado, Caguas, and Casteñer, in addition to Loíza. These communities represent a diverse geographic slice of Puerto Rico, encompassing some of the most concentrated numbers of youth players in rural areas and those hardest hit by the hurricanes.

“Local fields, teams, and programs are at the heart of Puerto Rico’s tradition of baseball excellence,” noted Carlos Pagan, regional director for Little League Latin America, who was in Loíza to celebrate the new fields. “They not only help build great players; even more importantly, they help build great people.”

Through Play Ball Again, LISC has been working with a range of organizations and community leaders to outline redevelopment plans for fields, including Little League Puerto Rico, PathStone Enterprise Center, and All Hands and Hearts.

“These collaborations are part of our long-term commitment to Puerto Rico, one focused on building a broadly shared prosperity and a good quality of life in both urban and rural areas,” said Maurice A. Jones, LISC president and CEO. “I can’t imagine a better illustration of those goals than youth playing on a ballfield, with coaches teaching and leading, parents cheering, and a community coming together to support each other.”

“After so many difficult moments, these spaces will bring hope and union to the youth, so that they continue dreaming, growing and making a better future,” said Noah Assad, co-founder of the Good Bunny Foundation. “The goal of all this is to restore happiness to the Puerto Rican people and support them to grow as a society.”

“UNICEF USA is incredibly grateful for the support of partners like LISC, Maestro Cares and Good Bunny Foundation, who share our belief that play is the right of every child,” said Anucha Browne, chief engagement, advocacy and global programs officer at UNICEF USA. “In rebuilding these fields, they are not only helping a community that has endured so much over the past two years, but also giving kids the chance to play and just be kids.”

About LISC
With residents and partners, LISC forges resilient and inclusive communities of opportunity across America – great places to live, work, visit, do business, and raise families. Since 1979, LISC has invested $20 billion to build or rehab 400,500 affordable homes and apartments and develop 66.8 million square feet of retail, community, and educational space. Play Ball Again builds on LISC’s significant expertise in financing recreational facilities and athletic fields in underserved communities, as well as providing technical assistance to advance youth sports, including a 20-year partnership with the NFL to create 350 fields serving 600,000 youth, as well as work with ESPN to reclaim vacant lots for basketball courts in 14 cities. To learn more, visit www.lisc.org.

About Maestro Cares Foundation
Maestro Cares Foundation is a nonprofit Foundation headquartered in Chicago and founded in 2012. The foundation aims to improve the quality of life of orphaned and disadvantaged children in Latin America and the United States. Maestro Cares Foundation works to achieve its mission by creating safe and healthy environments for children to live, learn and play while supporting their development and academic needs. The Foundation helps to raise the necessary funding to continue to grow their mission by collaborating with corporate and nonprofit partners. Since the launch of its first home for orphaned boys in the Dominican Republic in 2014, the foundation has opened youth homes, community centers, school, foster homes, and launched an educational program in Lima and Cusco, Peru. Altogether, the foundation has committed to 18 projects providing safe and loving spaces for thousands of orphaned and disadvantaged children in Dominican Republic, Colombia, Mexico, Bolivia, Guatemala, Peru, El Salvador, Bolivia, Chile, Puerto Rico, and Chicago, IL.  To learn more visit: www.maestrocares.org.

About Cubs Charities
Cubs Charities harnesses the passion of Cubs fans to improve the lives of children and families across Chicago and beyond. Cubs Charities’ goal is to provide increased access to sports opportunities and targets improvements in health, fitness and education for those at risk. Through grants to quality nonprofit programs, development of parks and baseball fields, and other community initiatives, the Cubs and Cubs Charities help fulfill a commitment to be the best in the game, on and off the field. For more information, visit https://www.mlb.com/cubs/community/cubs-charities.

About the Good Bunny Foundation
The Good Bunny Foundation works to improve the quality of life of Puerto Rican youth through the support of youth arts and sports initiatives, in collaboration with other non-profit organizations. The Foundation led two relief initiatives providing aid after Hurricane María, which included the handing out of meals and the complete reconstruction of 10 homes.  In 2018, the Foundation organized the first annual “La Nueva Tradición” event, in which 30,000 Puerto Rican children received gifts of toys and musical instruments. Currently, the Foundation’s efforts are focused on the Play Ball Again initiative to restore Little League baseball fields in different municipalities of Puerto Rico.

About UNICEF USA
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF USA supports UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States, working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and when every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

Media Contacts:
Amanda Fox for LISC and event photos/footage – [email protected] or 347-581-6498
Blanca Lassalle for Marc Anthony and Maestro Cares Foundation – [email protected]
Ariana Moaveni for Javier Báez and Cubs Charities – [email protected]
Ann Reinking Whitener for UNICEF USA– [email protected] or 212-922-2623

SOURCE LISC