Christmas remains important to kids at the Drop-in Centre

Dec 25, 2009 News

By Andrunie Harris

Christmas is usually a time of sharing and spending time with family. These days not much has changed; gifts are still bought to show appreciation, and church is still frequented – even if it is the only time during the year for some.

But what of those who do not have a family to go home to for Christmas?

Such is the case of the children of the Drop-In Centre.

The Drop-in-Centre

For many of them this year, home is not an option because of various causes; for many, their treatment there was why they were taken from their homes in the first place.

And even though home might be hell for some at the Centre, they all express a desire to go home for Christmas; “because Christmas is a time for family.”

Many of the children of the Drop-In Centre are completely cut off from their relatives. But the memories of their relations remain, and especially at Christmas time, they long to be a part of a family – enjoying the season and making good of their presents (if any) and specially prepared food.

Many of the children seem not to understand the gravity of the situations they are in, and as a result feel that they have a healthy, normal environment to go home to. Most of the children at the Centre come from abusive or neglectful homes. One of the children did admit that Christmases at home was no fun but would still prefer to be home for the holidays.

To one girl, Michelle (not her real name), Christmases in her home were “joyful, good and exciting.” However because she was sexually abused by a relative she was taken to the Centre while court proceedings are ongoing. She was also emotionally abused.

Another child, Kevon (not his real name) was abused and neglected as a child, and as a result has spent the last six years at the Centre. He ran away from home, lived on the streets for quite some time before seeking the assistance of the Drop-In Centre.

Mario (not his name) was taken to the Centre after his mother died of a common contagious disease. He was left at the Centre by relatives who could not or would not take on the responsibility of a thirteen-year-old and his brother, age 11.

Most of the children see Christmas as a time for family and collectively hold fast to the season’s ideals with dreams of some day being able to enjoy the season once again. While some have vivid memories, others are vague about Christmases spent in their homes, but recall pleasant times at home.

They all, however, concurred that even though they had “good,” Christmases at the Centre, they would prefer to be home.

Like the average child, the children’s Christmas gift wishes include toys, books, clothing, footwear and various electronic gadgets.

The Drop-In Centre has for years provided the support, care and guidance for abandoned, neglected and abused children. They are schooled, fed, clothed and guided to make choices to ensure a better, more productive adult life.

Christmas time at the Centre features one of several major celebrations for the year, and a large amount of emphasis and resources go into planning festivities to ensure merriment among the children for the occasion.

This year is no different as plans include several parties, to ensure that every child receives a gift on this special day.

The Centre, for this season, has received many gifts from charitable organisations, schools, individuals and private entities, but will not turn away any act of benevolence.