Due to different circumstances, many children in the country grow up without their parents. But, they find a family in a family home where the staff works to care for them, educate them and share memorable experiences with them, including Christmas.
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Soy502 spoke with the directors of two family homes who told us about the Christmas activities that they carry out with the children to share with them special moments full of love and joy.
Luz de María home
Dinora Palacios, director and founder, told us that 35 children live in the home from 6 months to 12 years. Eighteen people work assisting them.
In December they hold internal posadas and make Christmas decorations with recycled material.
During Christmas Eve and New Years, the staff takes special turns to share a dinner with the children. The little ones go to sleep early, the older ones stay awake longer and enjoy burning little stars and chiltepitos.
The Christmas and New Year premieres are not lacking. As well as the gifts that the children receive on December 25, this thanks to the godparents of the home.
You can support them at any time of the year (Photo: Facebook Hogar Luz de María)
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One of the anecdotes that Dinora remembers, even with tears in her eyes, is a miracle that happened precisely at Christmas. “We had 10 babies and there was no milk for them, nor economic resources to buy it. We did not know what to do. We sent emails that day requesting help. In the afternoon, a pastor from a church arrived and brought 24 cans of milk. He arrived on his own initiative, without having received the mail, “he said.
This is how you can help them (Image: Facebook Hogar Luz de María)
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How to help? At any time of the year you can donate food such as vegetables, fruits, meats, milk or Pediasure. Especially, the home seeks to have a reserve for the months of January, February and March. You can also be part of the godparent program. If you collaborate with cash, they will give you a donation receipt authorized by the SAT. To collaborate, call 7721-8409, write to their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/hogarluzdemaria/ or visit their website http://www.hogarluzdemaria.org/. The home is located on 4th avenue 2-18 zone 4, Aldea Choacorral, San Lucas Sacatepéquez.
Missionaries of the Way Home
Roxana Castellanos, director, told us that 50 children live in the home, from 0 months to 8 years. Also some young people between 14 and 17 years old who have been there for a long time. The oldest of them, 19 years old, is a young man with autism. Sixteen people work taking care of them.
One of the main activities at home in December is decorating with the children and staff. They have been doing it since December 1 using the famous pine cones, cardboard and different recycled materials. They carry out posadas since December 15. The staff and children enjoy a conviviality with piñatas and games in the green area. In addition, throughout the month they prepare a pastorela that is presented internally on December 24.
The staff takes special turns to share a special dinner with the children on Christmas Eve, this is possible thanks to the collaboration of several people. The workers also accompany the children during the New Year’s celebration.
Pastorela is one of the special activities for children (Photo: Facebook Missionaries of the Way)
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One of the most special anecdotes that Roxana remembers is the story of four little brothers and their first Christmas at home. “They were amazed at the party. They got excited about the food and said they were very happy to be here because they had never celebrated Christmas. They were very happy with the gift and the 9-year-old girl began to cry because she felt loved. They do love me here! She said, stating that she always wanted to stay here with her brothers, ”Roxana said.
How to help? At any time of the year you can donate food such as sandwich bread, fruit, cereals and atoles. You can also donate school supplies in December or January. To do so, call 7833-1436, write to their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MisionerosDelCamino or visit their website http://www.misionerosdelcamino.org/inicio#through-the-yearssp. The home is located in Sumpango, Sacatepéquez.
Finally Roxana sent the following message to Guatemalans: “It is important to become aware that Christmas is not only about receiving but also reminding us of the hearts that society has hurt and that we can help if possible”
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