Santa for the Orphaned
The other day my seven-year-old son and I were talking about a baby LWB had recently taken in for surgery. I told him that she would need to stay in one of our healing homes until she fully recovered, as her orphanage was very rural and extremely poor. I was trying to explain to him at a first-grade level what I had seen at her orphanage when I visited there this year. I described the coal “stoves” in the center of the room that were the only source of heat and explained that there weren’t any toys to play with. My son was silent for a minute and then once again reminded me of the wonderful innocence of childhood when he said with completely certainty, “But at least it is Christmas, and Santa will be bringing them all toys.” Isn’t that a beautiful thought? Of Santa arriving to every orphanage around the world with the supplies that are needed?
As my own kids put together their wish lists this season, with video games and the newest gadgets they’ve seen on TV, it’s hard not to think about the shopping trips I have taken with older orphaned children. I remember one trip in particular, as I was very close to the girls there, and I was finally given permission to take them shopping one evening. I told them they could pick anything in the store that would make them happy and was humbled to the core when the first girl worked up the courage to finally ask me if she might have some shampoo. The rest shyly asked for the things they wanted the most as well: a pencil, a cup, a warm pair of socks. Not one girl that night asked for anything frivolous. And each of them was so excited to have something of her own.
This holiday season, I invite you to add just one orphaned child to your gift list this year. I can promise you that it will be a gift that will bring so much joy to a child who normally lives with so little. We’ve made this task as easy as possible for you, by compiling a holiday gift guide specifically for orphaned children. We have gifts for as little as $10, and the catalog includes items like warm coats, new cribs, art supplies, toys, and more. You can see all of the wish list items here – and leave all of the details of delivering the gifts to children to the LWB elves.
There is no better season to remember the children around the world who have no mom or dad of their own. From all of us at LWB, we send our deepest thanks to each of you for your care and compassion to the children who wait.
Amy Eldridge, Executive Director
