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Altruism takes centrestage
When it comes to Christmas, it’s all about the ‘joy of giving’ and youth of AS Rao Nagar are a perfect example of spreading festive cheer among the needy.
AS Rao Nagar: When it comes to Christmas, it’s all about the ‘joy of giving’ and youth of AS Rao Nagar are a perfect example of spreading festive cheer among the needy. While the city is busy among friends and family, a team from Youth Alive Organisation visits old-age homes, orphanages and underprivileged kids and spend time with them by organising carol singing sessions.
My child is planning to raise funds for Christmas by collecting old newspapers from houses and selling them. He will be donating the money raised to a church
– Maria Gomes, homemaker
A member of the organisation, J Francis informed, “We have been organising such sessions for the past three years. This year we will be visiting old-age homes and orphanages within our area on Christmas eve. We have three churches here - St John The Baptist Church, Bethel Gospel Church and Trinity Assembly of God.
We seek participation from church members in our cause.” Sharing details of the activities, Brother Anil, a senior church member here said, “The celebrations in our area start a week before Christmas. The youth plan things 15 days in advance and contribute for all expenses. It’s heartening to see that youngsters care for the underprivileged and the church is always ready to help such enthusiasm.”
The group is about 10-15 youngsters strong and the average age of its members is 22. Not only do they bring smiles to the lesser-privileged children, but their families beam with pride recounting their altruistic tryst. Maria Gomes, a homemaker and resident said, “My child is planning to raise funds for Christmas to give to the poor by collecting old newspapers from houses and selling them off. He plans to donate the money to a church. Even though he may not be here at home on Christmas eve, I am proud of him for taking up this effort and reaching out to the ones who have nobody. That’s all what Christmas is about.”
A member from the organisation, Sonia Patrick, who is a professional councillor, informed, “We are be organising a Christmas fete in which we will conduct concerts where children can participate by taking tickets. The money raised would be donated to the poor on the discretion of the Church management.”
Apart from this, pastors in the churches are also planning to distribute meals, tea, cakes, snacks and blankets to roadside dwellers. There are many ways in enjoying Christmas and bringing a smile to someone else’s eyes surely makes the top of the list.
BY Neelam Shaw
