The orphanage is alive with noise; everywhere excited children are opening their shoeboxes. Cries of surprise fill the air as gift after gift is pulled out and shown off to others around. Amongst the colour and noise sits little Sasha, a huge smile beaming from her face.
Sasha is 4 years old but has been living in the orphanage since she was abandoned by her parents when she was only 6 months old. Her parents are alcoholics and instead of taking care of her, Sasha was just left alone in a cot. When she arrived at the orphanage, Sasha’s skin was so dirty she looked a dark brown and her eyes were glazed and dull.
“We waited a long time for her first smile!” explains one carer, “but today it is wonderful to see the smiles on her face.”
Now, sitting amongst her friends, Sasha is a picture of health. The shoebox is her first present and as she pulls of the lid there is slight confusion on her face which breaks into a smile as she sees the first gift, her very own pink hat. Framing her little face, the hat remains firmly on her head for the rest of the evening.
To Sasha, this shoebox represents love, from someone she will never know, but will always remember. To Sasha, this shoebox brought colour, laughter and smiles into her life.
Thanks to thousands of people like you from across the UK, children like Sasha have a reason to smile and feel loved this Christmas. And we love this! Thank you for being part of this Christmas miracle.
Photo: © Jonty Wilde - www.jontywilde.co.uk