Because of the restrictions during the COVID-19 global pandemic, families living in poverty in Zimbabwe have struggled with food security even more than usual. But thanks to the generosity of sponsors and donors, these families had something to look forward to at Christmas.
Christmas is about spreading joy and putting a smile on children’s faces. Since there would be no parties or group celebrations in 2020 because of gathering restrictions and social distancing measures, the Child Champions in Zimbabwe had to adapt. They decided that the best way to bless children at Christmas would be to use the collected gift funds to supply their families living in poverty with a special food hamper that included supplies of cooking oil, dry macaroni, orange juice, and biscuits (cookies).
This simple gift was a bright spot during Christmas for our children’s families – and a lifesaver to many.
Tholakele is a 13-year-old girl who attends the Cowdray Park Hope Center. She and her sister live with their aunt and uncle because their mother died just before the coronavirus outbreak. Since the family’s savings went toward the burial, they had no idea where to even start with two additional mouths to feed. They were so grateful to the Child Champions who supplied food relief during the lockdown and were overjoyed by the generous Christmas food hamper they picked up from the Hope Center.
Tashinga is 11 years old and attends the Runyararo Hope Center. His family lives in a high-density area where there is no electricity or running water, and his home is still under construction. His father is physically unable to work, and his mother does whatever day labor jobs she can find. The gift they received from the Hope Center at Christmas was truly a miracle to them. Tashinga’s mother could not stop thanking the Child Champions who delivered the food hamper because she didn’t know what she was going to give her children for Christmas.
To have a loving sponsor remember them during these difficult times brought them such joy, and they are so thankful to God for the relationship.
The relief on the faces of the caregivers and the smiles of the children were the best gift our Hope Center staff could have received at Christmas. Families expressed that the OneChild program and the generosity of sponsors and donors have given them hope in crisis – which is a truly priceless gift!
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