Well, it is Christmas day as I write this article, and it has been a wonderful Christmas for me and my family so far! Yesterday was a super day for us, and I want to share it with all of you here on LiP who helped make it possible.
As any regular reader of the site knows, Christmas Eve is the regular day for the annual LiP Christmas Giveaway, and this year was no different in that regard. There was something that was different, though, and that is what we did for the Christmas giveaway this year. In the past, we have usually gone out to the Provincial areas, up in the mountains and such, and given out food and toys to the poor, so that they would have something to give them a bit of Christmas cheer. In 2011, because of the devastation of Typhoon Sendong, which struck hard in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City, we donated the Christmas Giveaway funds to help the victims of the storm. Of course, this year, Mindanao was again hit with a Christmas Season Super Typhoon, Pablo, who struck very hard here in the Davao region. But, we didn’t want for Pablo to stop the Christmas celebration, so we had a separate relief effort for the Pablo victims this year. So, as Christmas Eve approached, we were faced with deciding what to do this year for the LiP Christmas Giveaway! I think we made a good choice, too.
This year, we decided to throw a big lunch for the kids at an Orphanage near to our house here in Davao. Because of the rules of the Sisters who operate the orphanage, I cannot name the orphanage, and was even limited from taking any video there. We were allowed to take some pictures, though, which is not even normally allowed.
The orphanage where we went normally has about 80 children, and there are also about a half dozen nuns who run the place. Additionally, there are a dozen or so volunteer staff there. We decided it would be nice to have a really nice feast for these kids, and include the staff as well. What we decided on was to purchase Lechon Baboy (whole roasted pig) from a local Lechonero (the people that prepare the pigs). Additionally, Feyma and my niece Glenda prepared some homemade Pancit Canton (a Filipino noodle dish). We also served rice, bread and juice for everybody. It was really a nice meal, a treat for these kids. In addition to the food, Feyma visited the Orphanage a few days back and talked with the Sister in charge. In the past, when we have visited the kids at the Orphanage, the sisters have asked us if we could help by purchasing some medicine for the kids. The biggest medicine demands are for medication for Asthma, Tuberculosis and for the heart. Some of this medication is very, very expensive, and that limits the amounts that the orphanage can afford. So, Feyma asked the nuns in advance which types of medication were most needed, and got a complete list. Feyma went to the pharmacy with the list in hand and literally purchased hundreds of dollars worth of the medications that are needed to keep the kids healthy! I have to say, it was quite gratifying to see the huge box of medication that was brought to the orphanage, and the nuns were also very happy with that!
Article continues below pictures, click on the picture to see a full sized image.
One of the things that we really liked about this year’s LiP Giveaway is that with the money being spent on an orphanage that cares for many kids, you really know for sure that the items are being used wisely. We enjoyed serving the food to the kids (we did not eat, just served the children), and seeing the joy on their faces as they enjoyed the bounty that was provided by LiP readers!
In addition to the meal and the medication, a “goody bag” was prepared for each and every child, and even a few extras in case any additional kids were present. The goody bag contained little Christmas trinkets, candy and such, the kids loved them!
I want to take a moment to thank those of you who donated to the Christmas Giveaway this year, your kindness was greatly appreciated, and I am quite sure that rewards will come your way. In fact, I feel certain that for most of those who gave, including me, seeing the pictures of the orphans alone is a great reward in the feeling it provides for you at this time of the year, knowing that you made a big different for these kids. Not only were their tummies full for a special day, but they have plenty of medication available to help keep them healthy for months to come!
This month, December 2012, was a very busy month for us. Between the Relief drive to help Pablo victims, the LiP Christmas drive, our business at WowPhilippines, and preparing for our own family celebration of the holiday, it kept us busy nearly every available moment of the month! For their extra work, I want to specifically thank Feyma, Glenda and Bebe for the work that they did to make all of this possible. We all worked, but these three did way more than their fair share!
Merry Christmas everybody!
Really cute kids, Bob. Great job by the Martin’s as usual.
Looks like you to a liking to a couple of them. Plans to increase the family 😉
Ha ha.. I did like almost all of them, Randy! No plans for a larger family, though… it’s already so big! There was one baby, though, who was one month old, and malnourished, about half the size that he should be. I could have easily taken him home! But, I avoided the temptation! 😉 Merry Christmas.
Bob, God bless you and your family for the good you do and I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and will have a prosperous new year.
Thank you Loren. Truth is that one of the reasons that we do it is because we enjoy it so much! It helps us feel a very deep spirit of Christmas!
This is a lovely Christmas story Bob, it is such a nice thing to do. It is much more focused than the old LIP drives.
Thank you so much, Brian. Merry Christmas.
This is so inspiring Sir Bob, I’m thinking about how to extend a little help for these kids especially to the infants.
Thank you Suzette. I can assure you that anything you would do for the kids would be highly appreciated!
Excellent idea Bob, and I’m glad you and the family enjoyed doing it too. Have a great Christmas Day, (what’s left of it), and wishing you all a happy and prosperous new year to come shortly.
Jim, Vangie, Caroline and Martin.
Thank you Jim, and Merry Christmas to you and the family!
Hi Bob,
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
What a lovely idea to go to an Orphanage this year. You gave the children a day they will remember for a long long time.
I wish you,your family and all LIP readers a wonderful New Year.
Regards Davaodave.
Thank you, Dave. In addition to the kuds remembering, Feyma, the kids and I will also have fond memories as well!
Two thumbs Up on this one Bob. With the exception of last year, Minda Claus and Crew delivered to Families. These orphans don’t even have that. At least for a while they had the worldwide family of LIP contributors headed up by Minda-Claus & his Minda Elves privide something very special to them and illustrate part of what Christmas is all about. Yes, the pictures really tell the story. In taking a close look at the pics, especially at what is in the background, it appears that they are in a well maintained facility. From your article it sounds like the care matches the condition of the facility too. It may not show in the pictures but I am certain the Minda Claus hats were shining brightly this year ! Special thanks to the individual in-charge for allowing you to take the pictures to share this experience with the rest of the world. There really is a Minda Claus.
Merry Christmas Everyone !
Thank you very much for the thumbs up, Bob! I appreciate that very much. Merry Christmas to you!
Pretty nice way to spend the day. It has to be so gratifying to make a difference even if for only a day.
It truly was a wonderful day for my family, Ron!
Hi Bob,
Just want to say Good job as usual! your family and you have a big hearts and I’m sure that everyone that you have helped in the past and in the future it will have a great impression in their life. I just hope when I get there that my family and I can do the same!
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours. God Bless
Thank you Todd. We enjoyed the giveaway, and the orphans did too! They had such a good time, even just holding them or playing games with them and such is something they really enjoy.
Bob,
You are an inspiration to Anne and Myself to do the samething her in the Cavite area. We are so looking forward to getting involved with charities and help out anyway we can. It’s something that really gives you that good feeling inside. Just seeing those kids makes it all worth while. Take care and have a prosperous New Year.
You can do it, PapaDuck… and I assure you that it will bring you great pleasure!
Belated Merry Christmas to you and your family, wish you well for 2013.
Its a wonderful thing you do in giving up your time and money. God Bless
Thank you Gerry! Happy New Year to you as well!
Thanks for the kind and generosity Sir Bob..
Children will remember your good work. Blessed all your family and love ones.
#with a smile =)
It is something I do and enjoy every year, Rex. Thank you!
SALUDO!!!! ko sa imo sir. 😀 keep up the good work then.