Sunday, December 24, 2006
Canned goods make Carreta kids’ holiday
SURROUNDED by an eager crowd, barangay officials and Mayor Tomas Osmeña made over 2,000 Carreta, Cebu City children happy yesterday by handing out packs of rice and canned goods.
Rep. Raul del Mar (Cebu City, north) also showed up and joined them.
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The youngsters, all indigents who would have spent Christmas with empty stomachs, were all smiles on their way out of the barangay’s covered court after receiving their gifts.
“Ang among tuyo nga makahatag og pinaskohan, pahinungod sa mga bata nga less fortunate. Maayo na lang naa sila’y gamay madawat every December (We wanted to give them gifts this Christmas, an offering for the less fortunate. At least, they will receive a little something),” said Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson Roda Mae Onde.
A project of Carreta’s SK, the gift-giving was on its third year but saw the most number of recipients yesterday, officials said.
Barangay Captain Marciano Ando said the SK set aside P120,000 for the gifts, which consisted of a few kilos of rice and some canned goods placed inside plastic bags.
The barangay also gave out packed meals.
Osmeña, whom the children approached, donated at least three cartons of sardines using his personal money.
The children were so numerous that policemen and Carreta’s officials found it difficult to make them hand over their tickets one at a time in exchange for the goods.
Ando also acknowledged the assistance of Carreta’s business establishments, as well as various non-government organizations and government agencies.
Among them are the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, represented by Sister Anne Healy, who has been around since the start of the project in 2004, when about 500 children were served.
He also recognized the help of several residents, who volunteered to help the tanods and barangay personnel in packing the goods the whole day Friday.
A beaming Osmeña said he was very happy with the barangay officials’ effort in extending a loving hand towards Carreta’s poor children.
“Give the credit to the barangay council,” he said. (RHM)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (December 24, 2006 issue)
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