What Christmas Means to Me, by Gemar Cornelio
This Christmas, we’d like to say a special Thank You to an anonymous donor who brought a lot of joy to the street children of Cubao, the Philippines. The holiday celebration was organized by The School in a Cart, a school/center Lift the Lid has sponsored since December of 2011.
EIGHTY Christmas bags were prepared and distributed to the children and their families who attend The School in a Cart’s after-school and Saturday lessons, their daily Breakfast in a Cart, and their occasional Medical Center in a Cart. Their doors were open to anyone in need of Christmas cheer, so there were some newcomers, as well. The donation also afforded The School in a Cart to purchase instruments for the children, which we will have photos of in the New Year!
They served a meal of chicken, rice, and noodles, and afterwards, there were racing games and a piñata.
Each bag contained assorted snack items like crackers, cookies, and chips, a sport shirt and shorts set, underwear and socks, and an umbrella for the girls and a cap for the boys.
Here are some of the boys showing off their Christmas caps.
To show appreciation and to share his Christmas spirit, Gemar Cornelio has written a brief essay titled “What Christmas Means to Me.” Translated from Tagalog he writes:
“We are happy this Christmas. Jesus was born in a Manger. Three Kings (wise men) visited Jesus and Mary. Thank you for the Feeding Program, for Teacher Nonie and Pastor Edo (Alfredo), and for everyone, thank you. I am Gemar Cornelio, 6th grade, studying at Amparo Elementary School. Thank you also for the uniform.”
Gemar,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Christmas. I’m happy that you attend The School in a Cart. I always enjoy reading what you write and every year your essays are longer and tell more about what is important to you.
I know how important school is to you and how hard you work to do well. I remember your graduation or “moving up” photo from last year and how proud you looked! Keep trying your best and you can become whatever you hope to be.
Sara