As we stepped into the small room, we glanced at the beds lining the walls–beds with children staring at surprise at us. One child smiled as I approached and tried with difficulty to reach me. Another waved her hands wildly in excitement, while all seemed to wordlessly say “hug us, smile with us, talk to us…please.”

Siva Nathi is a centre for physically/mentally handicapped children , ranging from babies to older teens. Early January each year, Helping Hand endevours to give the children a Christmas(albeit late due to the centre being closed at Christmas)and share some love and kindness with the little ones who need it in so many ways.

This year there were about 30 children staying at Siva Nathi, each one of which we talked to, played with, and gave a Christmas parcel to. They received their gifts with such joy and thankfulness, thanking us over and over! It made us ashamed to think of the times we are ungrateful or think we have huge problems; when all around are so many more needy.

I particularly was struck by the attitude of a little boy named Luvo. Luvo was born with an abnormal sized head. He cannot walk and needs help to do most things…even at ten years old. However, he is one of the few children who is able to talk, & his heart overflows with cheer! When looking through his parcel, he found a toothbrush included. “Wow, a toothbrush, a toothbrush! My very own toothbrush!” he exclaimed while showing it off to all present. For me that was pure happiness–and in such difficult circumstances.

May we never overemphasize our problems & never under-emphasize other’s.

I’m looking at my toothbrush with new eyes.

PICS: CLICK HERE

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU!!!

Helping Hand did things this year a little different than the regular Christmas-es…

On the afternoon of Christmas Day, The mission center (which doubles as our home, office, food-and-goods sorting base, etc) opened its doors to the public–inviting anyone who wished to “come and have a meal, juice, and some Christmas cheer!”

Quite a few homeless persons came in off the street, receiving along with their Christmas meal some words of encouragement and hope for the coming year.

To add to this, members of Helping Hand brought gifts of appreciation for the Durbanville Fire Station, Durbanville Police, Kraaifontain Police, and the Kraaifontain Clinic–all of which were gladly recieved by the staff! The extra gifts were distributed to homeless persons on the street corners, in alleyways, etc.

In the evening, several ADT (a national security agency) vehicles pulled in for some dinner and a quick chat. We were able to thank them as well for their faithful watch over public safety…even on Christmas!

When the last people parted from us with smiling faces, full bellies, and (I pray) the warmth of Christmas in their hearts; we knew it had been worth it!

It was something new for us but turned out better than we could have imagined–and we were reminded that day what Christmas is truely about.

PICS:  CLICK HERE

(Dec 10)The annual C’mas party in Blokombos was an inspiring way to reach out to and encourage–both physically and spiritually–1500 children! The cues stretched 100 meters away as they waited patiently in line for their C’mas parcels. Prepackaged for EACH child was a bag containing fruit, a drink, sweets, a gospel pamphlet, and a toy. It was a great success and made so many (who exist in otherwise dismal circumstances) lives happy. We are especially grateful to all those who, through their support, made it possible!

You can view the pictures of the event here

http://helpinghandsa.org/gallery?al=9

If you would like to support our efforts with a monetary donation, it will of course be greatly appreciated! It is only through people like you that we can continue operating! God bless you!

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Dec. 10, 09′

(Dec. 9) Helping Hand participated in the annual Christmas party in Wallacedene–in cooperation with the Shiloh soup kitchen. Nearly 2000 children attended, and each one personally received a parcel with sweets, a toy, juice, fruit, and a gospel tract. Many, MANY hearts were warmed yesterday–including our own–due just to a small kindness and consideration towards these little lives! They are the hope of the future!

You can view the pictures here:

http://helpinghandsa.org/gallery?al=8

8 Nov, 2009

Helping Hand is presently preparing for the yearly Christmas parties hosted in Wallacedean and Blokombos, which thousands of children attend. Due to the creche burning down(it was also used for the hosting of the daily soup kitchen and the yearly parties) things are rather up in the air as far as how they will be organized. However, we do know that the events will be held on the 9-10 of December, and we would like to make it memorable for the children attending!

Here are a few of our needs at this time:

Toys/books/art supplies

Easily divisible snacks such as crisps, Yogi  sips, sweet packs, etc

Or if you would like to support our efforts with a monetary donation, it will of course be equally appreciated and invested! It is only through people like you that we can continue operating! God bless you!

Our banking details:

First National Bank

Tygerberg Branch, no. 201410

Account Name: Helping Hand

Account no. 62024006662

FOR ANY OF YOU WHO ARE INTERESTED:), HELPING HAND HAS RECENTLY ASSISTED IN RECONSTRUCTION(THROUGH DONATION OF A WENDYHOUSE) OF A BURNED-OUT CRECHE IN WALLACEDEAN, AND IS PLANNING CONTINUED REPAIRS AND REORGANIZATION! (THE CRECHE BURNT DOWN ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO DUE TO A STOVE BEING LEFT ON UNKNOWINGLY)

A MAJOR NEED AT PRESENT IS NOT ONLY BASIC HOUSEHOLD SUPPLIES FOR THE LIVE-IN CARETAKERS-WHO LOST ALL THEIR POSSESSIONS-BUT ALSO EDUCATIONAL BOOKS, TOYS, AND CLASSROOM MATERIALS. UNTIL THIS CRECHE IS RUNNING AGAIN, 15-25 CHILDREN WILL MISS OUT EVERYDAY ON NEEDED TRAINING; AS WELL AS THE CARING AND SUPPORT THE CRECHE STRIVES TO PROVIDE THEM WITH.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP IN ANY WAY, PLEASE CONTACT US AT THIS NUMBER 072 443 7846 OR EMAIL AT helpinghand@telkomsa,net

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS! -AND IF NOTHING ELSE, PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS SITUATION! GOD BLESS YOU!

(Click here for pictures)