Emergency assistance program for families who are experiencing unusual hardships. Assistance is provided for emergency shelter, utility and rental assistance, and food certificates. With private funds, MUJER is able to provide financial assistance for specific needs other than those covered by the food and shelter program. To maximize food certificates, MUJER coordinates “food drives” with community groups including the Coral Gables Congregational Church, the Coalition of Farmworker Organizations and other groups as they become available. Special activities are held to benefit the community including Thanksgiving baskets, a Christmas campaign to collect toys for low income children where more than 500 children receive gifts each year and more than 700 book bags are distributed each year to help children get ready for school. For the past 2 years, 100 certificates for Payless shoes have been distributed as well.