Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, over 250 sponsored children and their siblings attended our Christmas party. The kids enjoyed the Christmas story, an interpretive dance by four of the sponsored teenagers, music, games, cookies, candies, and drinks. Later, the teens had their own party at the sponsorship office where they gave each other homemade gifts and sang Christmas songs.
A few days earlier, the staff held another party for the parents and guardians of the sponsored children. It was the first time they had been together since COVID began. One hundred thirty-nine showed up. After a training session, they had lunch—and then passed out evaluation forms. Fikadu, the program director, told us there were zero criticisms—just “thank you,” “thank you,” “thank you.” The parents and guardians were especially grateful for the home visits our staff made during COVID to distribute food and other necessities. Several said, “If you weren’t there for us during COVID, we would not be alive today. We had no food.”
The team also surprised the families by distributing grain early—a few days before Christmas. Some of the parents cried for joy, as many would not have had food for the holidays. The children also received t-shirts, pants or dresses, underwear, and socks. They marveled, “Who would give this? It must be from God.”
Thank you, thank you, thank you to our sponsors for your trust and generosity again in 2022. You make a difference in the lives of the 203 children now in the program and their families that is beyond description. May you and your families be richly blessed in this new year!
If you know someone who would enjoy changing a child’s life for $40/month, please have them contact us at sponsorship@hopeinview.org or go to www.hopeinview.org/sponsorship