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Holiday Giving at its Best
A tough economy and sparse donations didn't keep this organization from achieving their holiday goals
By Jasmin Thankachen
The threat of a snowstorm and bitter cold temperatures did not stop over 50 families and a dozen volunteers from attending the annual Smiles at Christmas gift giving event hosted by Mission Africa on December 13th
in Kent, Washington.
Filled with exciting activities from a moon bounce to face painting, and even a cotton candy maker, children were occupied in the community center hallways, while parents were escorted into a room filled with donated toys, books, clothing, stuffed animals, and sports equipment. Despite a disappointing year in collections from their annual sponsors, World Vision and Toys for Tots, Pastors George and Ndudi Chuku, founders of Mission Africa, forged ahead, requesting donations from colleagues, church members, and anyone who was willing to donate holiday toys, books, warm clothing, and games for children of all ages. Using holiday items left over from last year, and some new donations from individual donors, this year, the event went on to be a success and showed the true spirit of giving. This year, parents were able to choose one toy and one outfit for each child to be wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree.
An event like this comes at a crucial time as the economy spirals downward and many parents are unemployed or are facing the threat of layoffs. One dad, toting a large bag with clothes and toys said, "This event really helps out our family because I got laid off and we have no money for the kids. Every little bit helps." That seemed to be the resounding theme from every parent this holiday season, many who said they were "just trying to make it through Christmas." Two moms, Malia and Melanie said, "these are hard times, especially when you have a lot of kids." Both moms have been attending this event for the past two years and say that their kids love the activities outside and they all have a great time each year. Another mom has been coming to this event because her husband is on disability and is not able to work because of health reasons. With four children at home, the Smiles for Christmas program helps this family celebrate the holidays with new books, warm clothes, and toys for each child.
Not only do registered families benefit from this program, but the volunteers who had spent the morning setting up toys, passing out cookies, making cotton candy, and hosting a variety of other tasks felt that they were helping their fellow neighbors and friends have a memorable holiday season. Cecilia, a volunteer of two years, not only volunteers to have that "giving feeling," but also participates because, "it had a big impact on my daughter." Denise, another volunteer of three years, enjoys coming to the event year after year to help families in need and to put a smile on children's faces for the holidays. Ryoko, Chelsey, Lisa, Brian, Joe and Sooji all veteran volunteers say they do it because "all children deserve to have a good Christmas". Carrie and Soojung joined the team this year and are already planning to be there for next year's event in 2009.
Pastors George and Ndudi Chuku have hosted this event for the past four years, their inspiration drawn from how, Pastor Ndudi says, "America is so giving." She shares a story of how years ago she came from Nigeria, leaving behind a privileged life for the simplicities of starting over in a new country. She found it amazing that Americans were helping her so much with clothing, food, and transportation and she wanted to give back to her own community in the same way. Her husband, Pastor George adds, "We wanted to give back to our community during the holidays, especially so it would make it easier for parents to choose between spending their money on food or for presents for their children. It is a way we do our part."
Serving over 300 children each year, the Smiles for Christmas program hopes to make a bigger impact in reaching out to more and more families each year. Through corporate and individual donations the spirit of giving can be carried out to achieve this goal, making the holiday season a little brighter for children and families in Washington State.
Mission Africa not only hosts programs like Smiles at Christmas, but is also involved in implementing high school initiatives in remote villages of Africa for children to attend high school and successfully graduate on time. The foundation also works in collaboration with village kings, traditional rulers and community leaders to promote HIV/AIDS awareness through medical outreach and programs at no cost to participating community members.
Click here for event photos
http://picasaweb.google.com/missionafricachair/SmilesAtChristmas2008Event?authkey=LuGtrru9he0
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