Dan's goal was to raise enough $$$ to buy each one of the older children a new pair of sneakers. He did reach that, and because you were all so generous, each one of the 42 kids (age range 11-17 yo.) also got a new winter jacket and 2 pairs of socks. We were also able to buy some much needed presciption medications for the infant rooms - of which I also visited, but we'll talk about that another time - Another family that is in our group brought enough backpacks and school supplies for each child - the smiles were huge!
Anyway...most of the girls were available to receive our gifts (the boys were not "at home") - they were truly the most gracious children I have ever seen. They sat for over an hour, waiting for us to arrive, and then waited while we handed out their gifts one by one. They were smiling, laughing and so humble and thankful for all that we did. As they walked us to our waiting van, I couldn't stop crying, felt like I was leaving these tremendously brave children, who's life was changed by some new clothes and backpacks....
Handing out some of the gifts...winter coats, sneakers , socks and new backpacks for all!
this girl in the pink was one of the older girls, and she couldn't stop hugging me and saying thank you - her smile was shining the whole time
the two older boyz - we had some really fun coats and sneakers picked out for them!
Here are some of the kids - after this picture they walked us out to the van, kept hugging and smiling and saying thank you and kept waving until we pulled away; the tears were rolling....
Okay, you would have to know that someone stole my heart...well here she is. From the moment I got there, she couldn't stop smiling at me and was just wiggling in her seat with anticipation - and YES I wanted to bring her home....I still can't stop thinking about these children and what their lives will be like.
Thank You to Everyone - especially to the kids that opened up their piggy banks, donated their birthday money, used their special savings to this well deserved fundraiser - there are 42 childrend going to bed tonight with a smile on their face. Know that you made a difference in a child's life today...and remember these smiles. Cheers Dan - you done good.
5 comments:
What an amazing experience. And the gift, I'm sure, was both to them and to you!
Aw, Claire, you're such a softie. I bet if you could you would just scoop all these kids up and bring them home with you. It has to be heartbreaking connecting with these sweet, bright children and then leaving them again, not really knowing what their future will be like. But as you said yourself, you did make a difference and brought smiles of happiness to so many beautiful faces, and maybe even some sense of new hope.
Hey guys -
I still can't believe it. I wish we could all be with you. You are doing a great job with this communication. I just love it. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. I am sure everyone feels the same - we are all with you in spirit - and in your heart...you will be home before you know it...keep the faith! - XOXOXOX Jeanie, Jenna & Maria
What wonderful donations! I would want to take them all home!
I loved seeing all the smiling faces. What an incredible gift!
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