COVID-19 Did Not Prevent These Children from Having a Merry Christmas

“Sana po palaging pasko! (I wish it was always Christmas!)” said a 7-year old boy from the Manalo community during Faith Family Foundation’s annual Christmas party/gift-giving for the children of Sampaloc 3, Dasmariñas, Cavite. Held on 17 December 2021, the Faith Family Foundation, in partnership with the Kids Ministry of Faith Family Church, hosted a Christmas party with 270 attendees, reinforcing health protocols throughout the 2-hour program.  

During the party, the children were taught about the real meaning of Christmas with the hosts placing an emphasis on the reason for the season—Jesus. The theme of this year’s Christmas party was Celebrate Jesus, which was also the name of the Kids Ministry’s online fundraising concert. The children were excited as their performances during the concert were broadcast during the Christmas party. The halls of Faith Family Church were filled with the chorus of children’s voices singing along to Christmas carols.

Before the actual event, children were also encouraged by the Faith Family Church to create hand-crafted Christmas cards which friends from the Department of Foreign Affairs, UP, ADMU, PUP and Nordlich Pharmaceutical readily purchased. Proceeds from the sale of the cards became the seed money to buy the children gifts of toys, school supplies, and health-related items, such as masks and alcohol.

2021 marks the 6th year of the Foundation’s partnership with donors Ms. Lalaine Perez-Ortega and Ms. Gibb Alfafara. God’s favor and love for the children is especially emphasized by this partnership as the children continue to be cared for through Jollibee food packs. Every year, it is always a treat to hear the children’s ecstatic screams when they learn about their Jollibee lunches.

This Christmas party marks the community’s slow return to “normal” life. Last year’s Christmas celebration was a distribution of gifts and food packs to the different communities. The children were noticeably brighter and happier this year as they were able to see other children and play games together for the first time in a long while. What may seem like a simple party to other people is an unforgettable moment in these children’s lives—one that we are so blessed to help come true.