Huge smiles and excited cheers greeted the staff of Hermanus Times when they dropped off more than 100 festively wrapped Boxes of Love for the learners of Mispah School for Learners with Special Educational Needs in Elim last week.
The children ranging between the ages of 10 and 18, of whom the majority spend most of their time at the school and its hostel, were each surprised with a shoebox filled with Christmas gifts, including toys, toiletries and stationery. The joy on their faces at receiving these special presents was unmistakable as was the curiosity at what kind of special surprises it would contain.
The handing out of the gifts was the cherry on top of what was an already special occasion last Friday as each of the learners received diplomas honouring them for special achievements during the academic year.
“Seeing the joy and excitement on the learners’ faces when the principal, Abie Adams, told them we had brought them gifts was really touching,” said the team. “It just brought home how many people take for granted that they will have gifts under the Christmas tree while this remains only a dream or fantasy for so many others. Let us open our hearts to those in need so that everyone can experience the joy of the festive season.”
We would not have been able to warm the children’s hearts and spread some festive cheer without the help of our loyal readers and advertisers, who so generously donated their money, time and effort to ensure that each child at Mispah School has a special surprise to look forward to over the festive season.
Thank you to the staff of Hermanus Radiology, who donated 15 beautifully decorated Boxes of Love, Alex Upholstery for its financial contribution towards filling a number of boxes with Christmas goodies, Remax Hermanus, Avbob, Marvellous Maids, Carpet Care, Brett’s Auto, Kekkel en Kraai Caledon, DJ Glass and Aluminium, Granny Square and all the grannies and grandpas, and the numerous kind-hearted and generous donors who preferred to remain anonymous.
The team would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to those generous donors who heeded our call for assistance to make the dormitories a home away from home for the children by donating clothes, toys, curtains, television sets, bedding, two bicycles and skateboards with all the necessary safety gear and even a piano for this purpose. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
