Whack! Mariana had hit the piñata with all of her might. The 11-year-old was
soon rewarded when a shower of candy and fruit poured out of the festive decoration. She,
her mother, brother, grandmother and uncle were among the 200 guests that came to Operation
Blessing Mexico’s Christmas Festival of Hope during the 2003 holiday season.
Mariana needed a little joy in her young life. The last year had been difficult, as
the family’s financial situation had forced her older sister Nayeli to have to
move to another family’s house. She was given food to eat and an opportunity to
go to school in exchange for housework. But for Mariana, she had lost her best friend
and sister.
Meanwhile, Mariana, her mother and brother lived in a 2-room apartment off to the side
of the same house that her grandmother served as housekeeper. Mariana’s mother
Tomasa waited tables in a small local restaurant. When business was slow, she tried
to make ends meet by cleaning houses or washing clothes. Christmas was coming soon and
Tomasa knew she would not be able to afford event the simplest gift or holiday meal
for her children without help.
Right before Christmas, Mariana’s school told our center about the family’s
need. They were overjoyed to receive an invitation to our Festival of Hope! Guests enjoyed
a play, saw a holiday movie, and played games. Mariana and her brother received a box
of toys, candies, cookies and brand new school bag. Everyone enjoyed hot beverages and
sweet bread.
Share the Joy of Christmas!
Mariana’s family represents one of the countless impoverished children and adults
around the world that will not have a special holiday season without our compassionate
help. It is so easy to share the joy! For example, your gift of $25 can help a family
of four have a month’s worth of groceries. Or your gift of $10 can provide a toy
and clothes for an orphan.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide emergency relief and recovery. Please make an on-line donation today.
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