During the distribution trip to Serbia the teams visited several groups of children, including a Roma community, a hospital that cares for children with Multiple Sclerosis, and a single mother's outreach at a local church. Here are some of the stories of the children who received the boxes…
Prokuplje, A Roma Community
Gabriella is only 3 and has already had several operations on her eyes. Her father is disabled, her parents have no money and she has two older brothers. These are the only gifts Gabriella will receive this Christmas and she especially loved the toy pony in her box.
Alan is just 4 years old and comes from a very poor family who will celebrate Christmas Day as a family with a special meal but they will not have any gifts for each other. Alan loved the car in his box and his mother said, “I am so grateful that people in the UK have remembered us at Christmas time.”
Miroslav, age 2 lives with his father and brother. His father supports the family as a folk musician, like his father before him. They like Prokuplje, but find that life can be hard sometimes. Miroslav's favourite toys were the toy guitar and the whistle. His father was overjoyed to see the musical instruments because he hopes that Miroslav will follow in his footsteps one day and entertain future generations. Miroslav's father wants to say thank you to the people in the United Kingdom and wish them a Happy Chrismas and New Year.
David, Amir, age 8, and Merema, age 5 , right, proudly display their Samaritan's Purse gift boxes amongst the rubbish that litters the Roma community where they live in Belgrade. When asked his age David response was, “I don't know.”
The Nis Hospital
Multiple Sceloris Organisation for children of families effected by MS
Nikola is 7 and his father Nebojsa is an unemployeed war veteran. Nicola was overjoyed with the contents of the box and his delighted father Nebojsa said, “Children are the same all over the world. Thank you!”
Philipe is in his early teens and sadly suffers from muscular dystrophy so has to regularly attend the hospital for tests and physiotherapy. Philipe lives with his brother and parents and enjoys going to the hospital for treatment but his family find the costs prohibitive. Philipe is very studious so was thrilled with the school supplies in his box. Philipe told us that one day he hopes to become an Economist and also dreams he is able to travel the world. He also got some little cars that he intends to give to his cousins.
Peter, age 9, Cristina, age 11 and Iovan, age 5 were visiting their older sister Anna, who suffers from epilepsy and is receiving treatment in the hospital. The family lives with their mother and step-father who are both unemployed and survive on a basic income when the mother is occasionally able to find work as a cleaner. When Cristina discovered that she would be getting a box, she hoped that she would find a Barbie and for two weeks eagerly anticipated the distribution. So, imagine her surprise and utter delight when she opened her box to discover a Barbie dressed in a beautiful blue dress! Cristina wants to send a heartfelt thank you to all the Children in the UK .
The Single mothers association at Love Your Neighbour Church
Melitsa, age 7, Radmila, age 11 and Milan, age 7 (boy) also have another brother who attends kindergarten and they all live with their mother, who is a teacher. Radmila was very distraught because in her mother's absence she was concerned her siblings would not get a box but fortunately all three children received a shoe box. Radmila said, “We rarely get gifts like these. These are so cool! Radmila, dreams of being an actress someday and wants to send her greetings to all the children in the UK . |
Gabriella (back) and Alan
Miroslav, age 2
David, Amir and Merema
Nikola, age 7
Peter, Christina and Iovan
Melitsa, Radmila & Milan
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