The Hindu : New Delhi News : A rare treat for street children

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 19, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

A rare treat for street children

By Anjali Dhal Samanta

U.S embassy staff entertaining underprivileged children during a Christmas party function at the embassy in New Delhi on Saturday. Photo:Shanker Chakravarty

NEW DELHI, DEC. 18 . Eight year-old Guddu, a street child, could not stop smiling as Santa finally paid him a visit. Christmas may be an unfamiliar term for the 100-odd underprivileged children who visited the American Embassy here today, but the day was a rare treat for them as the American Women's Association and the Marines stationed at the Embassy here celebrated the "joy of giving''.

As part of the "Toys for Tots'' programme organised every year by the U.S. Marines all over the world, Sophia Blake, wife of Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy hosted a Christmas party for disadvantaged children. For the children -- some street children, others from low-income groups, now associated with various non-governmental organisations -- the day was a dream come true. Packed with painting, music, decorating cookies, magic show, numerous games and even a film screening, the festive cheer was certainly in the air. The festivities also included a group of Baul singers from West Bengal who performed for the children. And in the true spirit of the season, every child went home with a stack of goodies.

"I can take this t-shirt? Really! I will wear it everyday!'' said little Guddu, his eyes shining as he added an extra dab of paint on the t-shirt. A street child, now associated with Sahara School, Guddu was certainly having fun. "I like everything! I am having a great time. I want to climb on the balloon house also but our teacher is not allowing us,'' he said, his face alight with excitement.

Young Komal from Deepalaya was equally excited as she dragged her chair where the magician was performing. "I want to see how the magician is performing the tricks! This is so much fun!'' she said.

But the real treat was "Wonderland'' decorated to resemble North Pole. Carpeted with cotton and decorated with trees, stockings, lights and a red throne for Santa, the room had been decorated by the U.S. Marines at the Embassy themselves.

"We have been doing this `Toys for Tots' programme since 1947. Any place in the world where an American Embassy is located, we carry out this programme. We collect toys and give them to disadvantaged children around Christmas. At times we give it to orphanages or sometimes directly to the children, like today. The idea is that each child should have a Christmas and even the needy children feel that there a chance that their wishes might come true,'' said Sergeant James Ottinger.

For the American Women's Association, the day was an occasion to share the festive joy with little children. "People might think that Christmas is only about exchanging gifts but that is not true. It is a time to share and a time to help the poor. Hopefully, these children will take back to their friends what they have experienced here today,'' said president of American Women's Association, Patricia Haviland.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

New Delhi