I read a story about some retired men in Brisbane who are making toys for kids in Africa. Just little wooden blocks and trucks. But for kids who are sick in a poor place so usually just play with blown up gloves which is too sad.
Even nicer, some nurses from Brisbane are taking the toys to Africa. They’ll give them straight to kids’ hands on Christmas morning – not just sending a brown box.
Smile from young nurses with gifts and things to teach local nurses will make a lovely Christmas so my gratitude to retired men and nurses if that ok.
Wooden blocks can be used many ways by young children
Thank you for sharing that story with us, Elene. It is beautiful and heart warming to know those children will have a happy Christmas morning as they deserve.
And of course it is ok to show your gratitude to generosity and Christmas spirirt here – we love everything Christmas, Santa and kind 🙂
That is indeed a heart-warming story. Even when families are poor,here in countries such as Australia or the USA, it is still possible to do layaway or buy toys on sale or at thrift stores. But in Africa, there is indeed no toys to buy at all. It is not just the toys but it is showing that someone cares for these children that makes this story so heartwarming.
I agree Clauzetta – it’s not just the toys (thus why simple things like wooden blocks are just fine) but the symbolism of giving them something and some hope.
There is much to be said about the kindness of strangers. With all the difficult issues being blasted on the news, it’s always nice to hear good about good things like this. It restores my faith in mankind.
I often avoid hearing the news because it is so full of negative stuff – the occasional good news story like these toymakers warms my soul and, as you said Gary, restores my faith too.
This is truly heartwarming. This is really the spirit of Christmas. 🙂
Perfectly said Vida, thank you 🙂
What nice men to make those things and nice nruses to take stuff all the way to Africa! That’s like a long way…
I agree, Charlene, it is nice of them to do it and it is certainly a long way! Even longer than the 8 hours your local lady drives!
This is nice. A little kindness goes a long way – although, in this case, the kindness is not little but great. Even in poor conditions, a little gift here and there can make Christmas special, specially for children.
Yes, those children wouldn’t see it as a little kindness but as something huge.
Thanks you so much for sharing that story!! Now that is how to celebrate the real spirit of Christmas!And I bet it is not only a blessing for the children but also for the toy maker!
I bet you’re right, dhrynio – giving can be so rewarding, as can knowing you’ve made a significant difference.
I can personally testify that it is very rewarding. when I was a kid my dad made things in his wood shop. One year we decided to make some wooden toys to donate to our church. They gathered things to donate to poor families to help them out at Christmas. It felt so good to put our own effort into helping someone else at a time when so many need help. And it was an invaluable lesson for me as a child.
Thanks for sharing that memory, dhrynio – I love hearing Christmas spirit stories 🙂
This is beautiful. How much of an impact would it make if children worldwide gave one of their gifts to children in countries like Africa? The thing about it is, these kids don’t need high tech gadgets to feel content in their Christmas gifts. Simple toys go so far and are so appreciated. I hope to one day participate in a program like this one.
If every child in wealthier countries gave one gift to places like Africa it would make a huge difference. It’s not a Christmas gift as such, but various charities offer support to such communities via us giving them as gifts to our loved ones – oxfam is one example.
mcamf, what a great idea!! I wonder if there are any agencies where you can send a gift that would send it on to places like Afican orphanages.
I have found one place that delivers boxes of gifts to South East Asia and the South Pacific – Operation Christmas Child
Very touching story. This time of year I can’t help, but be a little sad. When I stop to think of all the kids that won’t enjoy Christmas. It’s heartwarming and restores my faith in my fellow man to hear these types of stories.
It is sad to think of those who won’t have such a happy Christmas, Karmaskeeper. But I agree that is lovely to hear of people who are helping as best they can.