Christmas cheer was brought to the children of Sophia and surrounding communities when the Mothers Committee on Social Issues (MCSI) in collaboration with the Mark Benschop Foundation handed out toys to them at the Pattensen Multi-purpose Community Centre yesterday.

The delight on the faces of the children, many of them from single-parent homes, could not be masked as they opened the gifts which were procured with the assistance of several individuals and companies.

Vice-Chairman of the MCSI, which deals with abused children and mothers and those in need, Ramrattie Jagdeo recounted that the group held several meetings with parents from the depressed communities, who decided to do something for the children from the area. She said that Benschop was contacted and his assistance sought.

Benschop said that after the women approached him, he contacted several businessmen among them Ron Morrison of the Hanes Store, who donated money to purchase the gifts. He said that Giftland OfficeMax and Games Express gave substantial discounts and F & T Designs and the Nut Centre also contributed. Former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier (rtd) Edward Collins also assisted with the project. He said the activity is “basically to show these kids that people care about them and to help them enjoy the season”.

Benschop added that donations had been made to prisoners’ families and today gifts will be distributed to Buxton and following that, to other communities. He said that the activity is to be sustained over the years and spoke of plans for a basketball court and library to be established in Sophia by early next year.

Meanwhile, expressing her happiness, Denise Austin, whose child collected a gift, said she wanted to thank those who contributed to making it a happy Christmas for the children.

Morrison, for his part said that he was happy to contribute after being approached noting that the children came from broken homes. Morrison also hosted a party for children from different communities at The Courtyard in Robb Street yesterday.

When the time came to receive their gifts, dozens of youngsters crowded the table creating a din. Afterwards, unrestrained, they all ran around playing with and comparing their toys joyously. Benschop stated that it is hoped that the event will be sustained over the years. He said that anyone willing to assist with the projects can contact him at markbenschop@ yahoo.com or at 644 2635.