The Holidays For A Child Left Behind

21
Nov

The holidays are almost here again and each year I have to stop and remember all the children around the world in orphanages and shelters. I wonder, or maybe I know, what the holidays are like for these children with no home, no parents, no gifts, no family meals and some with not enough food to even survive. It is a very sad existence, but even more so during the holidays.

The holidays are a time to share, not only with families, but also with strangers. While I usually don’t try to convince anyone to donate, I have seen the children in Samoa residing in the shelter and they have touched my heart. They deserve love and the experience of Christmas giving.

I have received a request from the shelter we work with in Samoa to assist them with purchasing Christmas gifts for the children residing in the shelter. I would very much like to accommodate the shelter and provide happiness for these children. Please consider a donation to make Christmas brighter for these children. The Samoan people are deeply Christian and the many churches, of all denominations, can attest to this. Christmas time in Samoa is a time to celebrate, worship and share.

If you would like to help make an orphan’s Christmas brighter, please send in your cash donation of $25 (or more) to the Fatherless Foundation with a note indicating it is to be used for the Samoan Christmas fund. You can mail a check to the MLJ offices or donate online at thefatherlessfoundation.org. Please send your donation by December 15th to allow for enough time for our staff to go toy and clothing shopping for the children. We are not accepting donations of toys or clothing as it is too costly to ship to Samoa.

Remember 100% of your donation will go to Samoa and it is tax deductible. Most of all please remember every child matters and deserves love and happiness, especially at Christmas time.

Thank you in advance and have a very happy holiday season!

Photo Credit: John Harrold

Sonja Brown works as the International Program Director for MLJ Adoptions’ programs in Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti and Samoa. Sonja is also proud to work directly with our Individualized Country Program families who are adopting from countries where no adoption service providers currently operate.