MANILA, Philippines – It was an early Tuesday morning when Dolores F. Cheng, founder of Center for Possibilities, Inc., started to pack food and toys for the abandoned special children of the Virlanie Foundation. Around her, several directors from Center for Possibilities, Inc. (CFP) worked merrily, along with parents and the ladies of the Rotary Club of San Juan GEMS.
Center for Possibilities, Inc. is an organization that has been working to change the views of society regarding the condition and potential of special children. Since 2008, it has launched a series of talks and activities geared towards helping children with special needs and their families.
In undertaking a second year of Christmas in the organization, the directors and members of CFP decided to make the Christmas party celebration with abandoned special children a tradition. Due to the increasing support of parents, Foton Motors, and the ladies of the Rotary Club of San Juan GEMS, CFP was able to organize another Christmas party at the Cottolengo Foundation in Montalban, Rizal.
“Developing traditions ensures that we can always be connected to our past,” says Cheng. “It seems that for most of us, especially children, holiday memories are more cherished by the mind and the heart. I am hoping that our Christmas parties at Virlanie and Cottolengo will create a positive impact in their lives and remind them that there are people who care.”
During the first party at the Aime Home, 20 children with developmental disabilities were able to have a merry McDonald’s Christmas party. As the Virlanie children sang and danced, they were entertained by a McDonald’s mascot who gave a special number. As the party ended, goodie bags filled with footwear, T-shirts, and caps were distributed.
The children of the Virlanie Foundation surprised the volunteers as they joyfully sang the song Thank You to the volunteers.
At the Cottolengo Foundation, members of the Center for Possibilities were greeted warmly by Fr. Julio Cuesta who explained that the boys being housed by Cottolengo had both mental and physical developmental disabilities. Despite their condition, the children of Cottolengo joined the activity and danced with the teachers and volunteers.