Kids enjoy Toys for Tots party
It’s a story you’ll see repeated several times over the next few weeks, but it’s one we never get tired of. News 5’s Jacqueline Woods reports.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
Christmas Day may be two weeks away, but one hundred primary school children got the lucky chance to spend some quality time with Santa Claus. The afternoon party featured treats and gifts for the kids.
Indira Lopez, Co-ordinator, Toys For Tots
“Every year it gets bigger and better. Funds for this event is by the staff. As a team, we raise funds to hold this event every year and we really look forward to holding this event every year for the children.”
Five years ago, the staff of Continental Airlines committed themselves to holding an annual party for children who may not otherwise have a very merry Christmas. This year, the boys and girls from twenty primary schools in Belize City were invited to attend Toys for Tots.
Indira Lopez
“We want to give back Belize, and as a team, we decided, hey let’s do this event, we do it every Christmas and we do it every Easter.”
Though each child was guaranteed a gift, they all had their eyes on the grand prizes; male and female bicycles. A gift most of the young guests already had on their Christmas list.
Jacqueline Woods
“What you want Santa to bring you this Christmas?”
Little Boy
“A gift.”
Jacqueline Woods
“What you want this Christmas?”
Little Boy
“A bike.”
Jacqueline Woods
“A bicycle? Maybe you can win yourself that bicycle that’s on the stage there. Wouldn’t you be happy?”
Little Boy
“Yes.”
But with only two bikes to give away, the children had to compete in a game to win the big prize. The boy or girl who threw the most balls in a line of four buckets would be riding away from the party.
The competition was tight but in the end, six year olds Boyd Lopez and Monique Young were the grand prize winners.
Jacqueline Woods
“What do you all do to ensure that it’s not the same kids who are coming out every year?”
Indira Lopez
“Well every year when we invite the schools, we advise the principals that we would like them to send five new children and it’s usually the ages of six and seven years.”
Jacqueline Woods for News 5.
The party was held on the grounds of the Belize City House of Culture.
