One of the programs at Casa Hogar los Angelitos is “Gifts of Love” or “Regalo de Amor”. This program began in 2006 with the objective of allowing individuals to give a monetary donation making it possible for each child to be given a special gift at Christmas. We begin promoting this program three months in advance, and anyone can make a specific donation for this purpose.
On Christmas Eve the children of Casa Hogar los Angelitos receive their gifts and enjoy a full day of festivities. Parents of the children are invited to the casa, and they each bring one thing to contribute to the buffet dinner. The children so look forward to the traditional Mexican foods like tamales, atole, Christmas salad, and a Christmas pie called jericaya! For entertainment they play different types of games and enjoy candy from pinata’s, but the most exciting moment is when the time comes to open the presents. They gather around the Christmas tree that is decorated with their homemade ornaments, and every child wants to be the first to receive their gift! They often include a gift of necessity like shoes or clothing, but also a fun gift they desire as well. Before the youngest children at the casa are put to bed that evening they bring baby Jesus and lay him down under the tree to sleep with the angels. It is a sweet, special gesture much like the gesture of those who give to this program, and to our little angels.
Our annual Christmas celebration with friends and family is a cherished tradition for all who are present, and we thank you for caring about our children. We ask that you pray for these children and the many thousands of other children who live each day in desperate and dangerous situations.
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