Mis-givings
Today, my lil tykes and I went over to this Home for orphans, abused and abandoned kids. These kids, I tell ya…it’s like I’ve known them for the past year. Why? Every morning, they would walk down the street in their very loud but cheerful banter, towards their school. When I hear them, I know it’s them and it makes me smile. It’s obvious this is a good home, because they are such cheerful kids!
Anyway, we popped by to give them some new backpacks (for the older kids) and colouring kits (for the pre-school kids) and a blocks toy (for the autistic but extremely hyperactive kid). As I walked into the home, with the presents, I could see a mountain of presents, unwrapped. I was err..kinda speechless. I didn’t really know if I should actually be giving them more use-less presents.
While getting their presents, I purposely thought of what they would want most. I thought backpacks would be good, since kids go through them like underwear. The kits and toy..well, I know my kids love them..so wouldn’t they?
Apparently not. They have too much of these things. I never thought I would even say this.
Anyway, I spoke to the caretaker and she told me that people like to give more during festive seasons. During those dry months, they try their bestest to weather it out. I think they mostly really need money, if anything. At least ,this will ensure that essential bills would be paid. Then she told me that ever since the holidays started, church groups and other non-profitable orgs have been taking these kids for outings. So much so, that the kids will ask, "Must go out today again ah Aunty?".
Hmmmmmmm….looks like the kids really like this home! It was certainly a homely home.
These kids were lovely. The girls enjoyed playing with No.2..a walking, talking (ok..yabbling) living doll. No.1 disappeared with the big ko-kos.
Anyway, because I’m co-winner of 5xmom’s contest, I’ll be donating the prize money to this home on her behalf. I’m sure this is one thing they will never have enough of!
Awww…so nice of you. It doesn’t matter if the children already have the stuff you bought for them, it’s the thought that counts
Oh well…think I’d call them to check first, next time!
Comment by Mommy to Chumsy — December 26, 2006 @ 3:57 pm
Ahhh.. very kind of you ..! i’m sure you will be blessed.. many times more..!
Nola..so blessed already…!
Comment by Mama BoK — December 26, 2006 @ 9:17 pm
If this home need some fund raising, let me know. Better still, email me the name of the Orphanage and address.
Wow..really? I’ll email it when I get it!
Comment by Vien — December 26, 2006 @ 9:28 pm
So true that we need to remember the unfortunate not only during festive times.
But..remember, charity starts at home!
Comment by just me — December 26, 2006 @ 10:40 pm
It’s nice of you and your family to do this. I remember visiting orphanages, and old folks home when I was younger to donate stuff and visit the residents. It’s good to start your kids young that way volunteering will always be a part of their lives, it becomes second nature to give.
Actually, I started this “ritual” of giving last year. For my lil tykes’ birthdays, I’ll tell them to give presents instead of expecting to receive. It’s really more of a thanksgiving because I am eternally grateful to have them in my life.
Comment by FireHorse — December 27, 2006 @ 2:20 am
That is a very nice gesture on your part. I think it is wiser to ask what they need so that there is no unnecessary wastage buying duplicate and unnecessary items as other visitors.
You’re SOOOOOOOOO right!!!!
Comment by jonzz — December 29, 2006 @ 2:05 am
Good lah u mott!
Eh? What r u talking abt? U hired a satay man!!!!
Comment by Bernard — December 30, 2006 @ 5:53 am
its a new awareness to me that orphanage get left out of financial consideration during festive season. i guess its natural that most ppl like to give gifts to the kids during Christmas. Even i myself equate christmas with presents. It was a thoughtful thing that you did, Mott, to think of the orphanage during a time when its one of the busiest time of the year. That one about “must go out again, ar, aunty?” had me rolling on the floor.
hey..sorry..I meant, that ppl only give during festive seasons…During the non-festive seasons, they need the $$$ most!!!
Comment by allthingspurple — January 3, 2007 @ 5:59 am