Seeing kids wearing their biggest smiles this yuletide season is priceless and incomparable amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which we continue to endure for almost two years now.

COVID-19 prohibitions concerning children hinder them to explore and visit places in Zamboanga City where Christmas should have been more exciting. Kids today are staying in their houses waiting for ‘Santa’ to grant their favorite Christmas presents.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) Un La Sangre Organization of Barangay Divisoria, Zamboanga City conducted a feeding program and gift-giving where they shared more than hundreds of toys as Christmas gifts to children in Sitio Tibak, Divisoria last weekend.

“We’re so glad to see the children smiling again and this personally brings me tears of joy,” Un La Sangre President Ivan Jestine Mariano said.

The parents were also in the event and have expressed appreciation as the group gave them realization that even we are in a dark situation now, there is always hope.

The LGBT+ group catered to more than one-hundred (100) children in the Sitio with the proper observance of minimum health protocols and kind assistance of the Barangay Council.

“Truly, Christmas is really wonderful if you can help and make people happy especially this pandemic,” Mariano added.

The LGBT+ President also shared that each member of the organization really struggled in planning, soliciting financial help from their relatives, preparing the gifts, and even with its distributions, but their determination remained unwavering to cheer and make the children happy this Christmas.

With this initiative, the organization is hopeful to inspire other groups in the city to help and share their extra blessings not just only this Christmas but in times of hardship.

“We have no funds at all! We only rely to those people who are tirelessly supporting us to achieve our goals which is to help our community overcome this pandemic,” Mariano said.

The Un La Sangre organization is also joining competitions in the city such as the indigenous parol making, online caroling contest, among others as part of their fund-raising.

This week, the group will be distributing some goodies and food packs to homeless street children in Zamboanga City town in line with their objective in bringing joy to kids. (EDT/JRA/PIA9-Zamboanga City)