CHRISTMAS is the season of giving, a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ who gave and sacrificed so much for everyone.
Christmas is also a season for children, seeing the smiles in their faces when they feel the coming of the Yuletide season and their dazzling smiles after receiving presents.
And this year, once again, VoxPop Cagayan de Oro continued its mission to spread happiness and blessings to underprivileged children of Cagayan de Oro City.
Last Friday, December 14, VoxPop CDO visited Balay Canossa along Hayes Street, Cogon as part of its annual sharing of blessings, with its theme: "Christmas Wish Upon VoxPop."
Balay Canossa is a street and community-based establishment which caters to the needs of the children who came from the streets and dysfunctional families.
"Mag-serve mi sa ila og breakfast, lunch tapos tutorial, makaligo sila dinhi everyday libre," Liza Loyola, a child care worker of Balay Canossa, said.
"After lunch makauli na sila, mobalik na sila sa ilang activity sa gawas. Ang uban nga naa diri gaeskwela man, hapon ang schedule sa ilang pag eskwela. So moanhi sila namo, gikuha namo sila aron dili sila makatukso ba or matukso sa labas," she added.
The program started around 10 a.m. with the general manager, editor-in-chief and the staff of VoxPop CDO surprised the children with parlor games, gifts and food, sponsored by Jollibee, Smart and Virginia Food Incorporated.
Around 25 children received school supplies, food, canned goods and candies from the jolly staff of VoxPop CDO.
"Nagpasalamat ko sa VoxPop kay wala sila nakalimot ug balik diri. Hinaot na mas mag malambuon pa inyong kompanya ug patas gyud sa paghatag ug mga balita. Salamat ug God bless," Loyola said.
In return for the surprise, the children of Balay Canossa also sang Christmas carols to the staff of VoxPop CDO, whose hearts were touched.
Sharing blessings and making children smile, that's how VoxPop CDO celebrates the season of giving and children.