Toybox - let the Street Children live!
It’s Christmas Eve. The streets of Guatemala are quiet. There’s no one to be seen except a few shadowy
figures crouching in the darkness.
Suddenly there’s a burst of light and noise. A procession of men, women and children bursts round the
corner carrying lanterns and singing carols. At the head of the procession are a young man and woman
holding the figures of Mary and Joseph. They go from house to house telling the story of the birth of
Jesus and asking for a room.
When they are invited in, the whole procession squeezes into the house to pray by the nativity and sing
carols together.
This is the traditional Latin American Posada festival. Posada means ‘Inn’ and the festival procession
symbolises making room for Jesus in people’s lives, homes and communities.
There is no ‘Posada’ for street children. Christmas Eve on the streets is just like any other night of the year. The children will spend it huddling in abandoned buildings, hungry and dirty with only glue or drugs to fill the ache in their hearts.
Is there room in your heart for street children this Christmas?
By sending a gift to Toybox today you are helping to bring the gifts of love, home and family to children
on the streets of Guatemala, Bolivia and Peru. It means that instead of having to beg for scraps from
passers-by or forage in dustbins, children can sit down to a family meal. Instead of fearing for their
lives, they can trust that someone loves them.
Your gift means that for the first time in their lives, a child can believe in future happiness, the love of
Jesus and a family to belong to.
Click on the stars to make a real difference.
"This Christmas I was
happy because we could
enjoy the blessings of
God. We had a Christmas meal
and we ate grapes, apples, jelly, fruit punch, chicken,
sweets and tamales and we
had a great time. I wish you
blessings and a Happy New Year. Have a great time. May God bless you.
Your friend, Marie"
"This Christmas we had
sparklers and fireworks
and I received a big doll
as a present. All of us look
after it as if it was our baby.
We ate chicken and lasagne,
and they bought me new
clothes. Thanks to God and to
you for helping me so that I’m well.
God bless you.
With love from Celeste"
Click on the stars to make a real difference.
