Bringing the Joy

On the afternoon of Christmas Eve, we went to an elementary school for children whose families have little income in suburban New Orleans, to throw a party for less fortunate children. As the boys and girls walked in, they seemed very shy and intimidated to be there with us. Over the course of the party, the children began to enjoy themselves. As we taught the children the games played at TY, the boys and girls found an energy that was hidden by anxiety. Christmas is a festive holiday celebrated by Christians all over the world. There are many people who are not able to afford a holiday party to celebrate with their families. A value that can be learned from this experience is that even though parents might not have the money to have a Christmas celebration for their children, it is important to help them, even if it is for children with disabilities and elderly people.

~ Ben Gotian, 10th Grade, New Rochelle, NY