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BY RHODA GARZON CAMPILLAN
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ONE OF the things I always look forwarded every Christmas is shopping for and giving of gifts. I brave the malls even if it is filled with multitudes of people trying to find the best gift for their loved ones.
I love the feeling of having enough money to spend for all my gifts. I always believe it is more fulfilling when you give. There is satisfaction when you see your loved ones enjoy the presents you gave.
This Christmas, I am blessed by God with overflowing graces; I am able to buy presents for my friends and family members. The next exciting part is wrapping of the gifts. I personally wrap all my gifts and sign each card one by one. I don’t care if my back aches a lot after a session of gift wrapping. All I want is send my love to the people I care about.
However, I do not want to be blind. There are those who do not have gifts to open on Christmas Eve. These are the street children, orphans and the poorest of the poor. Sometimes I wonder how they celebrate the birth of Jesus – the symbol of hope. But for many of these children, the glow in their eyes died a long time ago.
I reflected on these and can’t help but feel sad. How could I be of help to these children? Perhaps, organize a gift-giving activity or bring at least three to five children to their favourite restaurant?
According to Michael Lola, there are 10 ways we can help street children without giving money. One is to volunteer in groups that spearhead outreach opportunities.
Two, give a moment – the simplest and the most valuable thing you can give to a child is time.
This can be done by asking the names of the kids, their favorite games and activities and moments that make them happy.
Three, eat together. You can bring the child to a local eatery. Show the child you are interested in his origin and culture.
There are other activities but the first three I shared are the most doable.
On the other hand, I came across in the internet a new song from international rock star Mig Ayesa entitled Fill my Cup.
The song, according to the singer, is about resilience and optimistically taking on life’s challenges and future uncertainties by just living life to the fullest.
Here are the lines of the song that best describe the plight of abandoned and underprivileged kids and how can they enjoy their lives:
I could tell you about my day of sorrow
I’d rather think of what I’ll do tomorrow All day, all night I know
its gonna be so alright…I could sing
about my woes and worries I’d rather order beer and eat my curries Bus,
trains, jet planes..Take me to my destinations,”
You see there are just so many amazing things to see and do in this world, we
shouldn’t let our uncertainty and fears bring us down
The song encourages the kids to live their lives to the fullest and pursue their passions despite their situation.
Another good news is, if Fiill my Cup is requested and played on the radio, P50 will be donated to an orphanage. Mig Ayesa even explained that there are so many amazing things to see and to do in this world and we shouldn’t let our uncertainties and fears stop us.
The challenge is for us to bring hope to these underprivileged kids in our own little way. We are lucky and it is not bad to spread the love that we have most especially to these children./PN
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