Children’s party around the corner

Christmas is a time of giving, and many residents sometimes forget the less privileged among us.

It is one thing to be an adult and not receive any gifts for Christmas, but it is an entirely different scenario when children have nothing to open.

For the fifth consecutive year, the NEWS will host a Christmas party for the children of Pinocchio.

Despite financial constraints every year, Child Welfare South Africa Edenvale and the Pinocchio Educare Centre continue their valuable services to the community and especially the children.

For many of the children, the only Christmas presents they will get this year are those sponsored by the NEWS’ readers.

The NEWS will host the party at Pinocchio’s premises in Edenvale and we urge our readers to support us in making this Christmas special for the children by buying a Christmas gift for a specific child from the centre.

With the support of its readers, advertisers and sponsors, the NEWS hosted much-appreciated parties for these children in previous years. The children were overwhelmed by being spoiled to such an extent. The centre currently has 43 children.

The Pinocchio Educare Centre is an early learning centre for the stimulation and development of children from impoverished and low-income families in Edenvale and the surrounding areas.

It provides low-cost day-care and prepares children for entry into local schools.

The centre was started by Child Welfare South Africa Edenvale due to the high cost of day-care in Edenvale and because of the high number of single-parent children and orphaned children living with relatives.

Toys ensure healthy child development as they foster mental, physical, emotional and social development.

Readers can visit the NEWS’ office at shop 18a, Greenstone Crescent, Greenstone Hill and pick a name from the list of 43.

The reader will be provided with the child’s name, age and gender. Readers can also phone to select a name.

Gifts must be dropped off at the NEWS’ office before November 22. The Christmas party and hand over of the gifts will take place in the last week of November.

For more information, phone the NEWS’ Editor, Marietta Lombard on 011 609-4966.