With just 55 days to go until the man in the red suit arrives, our attention is beginning to turn to Christmas. Many of us are worrying about clothes, food and gifts. For the majority of us, Christmas day will be spent like the picturesque scenes we see in the movies.
It’s all about family and friends, coming together to eat, drink and be merry. Of course, it wouldn’t be the same without the added crudeness and swear words when someone realizes they forgot the batteries or when the stress in the kitchen gets too much. However, it’s all fun and games and everyone puts their differences aside, sits together and watches endless box sets. It is hard to believe that while we sit around in our warm homes during this festive time that there are families who will have nothing this Christmas.
In some parts of the world, Santa won’t be visiting families. It is tragic, as these children are merely innocent bystanders in areas of financial stress and political unrest, yet they’re the ones who are suffering the most. They will never experience the joy of waking up on Christmas morning to see what presents they have received.
However, the Christmas Shoebox Appeal is just one effort at trying to make this day a little more special for these children. Team Hope Ireland is just one organization participating in this huge attempt at bringing Santa to some of the world’s victims.
Every year, they deliver small and simple gifts to over 1 million children in over 21 countries all over Europe, and as far as Africa and Asia. It’s a simple, inexpensive idea, and a great Christmas deed. You simply wrap up a shoebox in some festive paper and fill it with some appropriate small gifts.
So, while we sit back in our chairs in our warm homes this Christmas, we can smile in the knowledge that we’ve brightened up one child’s day, and made it that little bit better.
If you would like any more information on this appeal, see the Team Hope Ireland website (www.secure.teamhope.ie/csa). Alternatively, if you would like to participate in this initiative in DCU, just send an email to the following address: emma.hade2@mail.dcu.ie.
Emma Jane Hade
Image Credit: evelynishere
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