Written by Secretary, Glenn Costales
Even with just a few days into the holiday season, a lot of events had already seen kids and volunteers gather for special activities. Another distinct one awaited the kuyas and ates at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Church Gymnasium last December 5.
Around 20 kids from the community’s special education program assembled at the spacious venue for a unique set of festivities with A LOT of volunteers. Aside from U!’s own volunteers, the event was graced by students from Immaculate Concepcion Academy (ICA) and Chiang Kai Shek College (CKSC). And as if that wasn’t enough, a group called SKD Academy was gracious enough to participate through their feeding program prepared for the kids.
The kids were accompanied by their parents as they were grouped with the enthusiastic teens, as well as the willing adults. After a few minutes to get to know each other, the event got right to its main activity – the Art Workshop.
Ate Blanca once again took front and center for U! Happy Events as she instructed the kids, with the assistance of their kuyas and ates, in making their own sponge-painted Christmas Tree. From a blank canvas, the Christmas spirit sure became evident through the kids’ colorful creations.
After the painting activity, The Heart at Play Foundation guided the entire group in an indeed unique and enriching exercise. The Heart at Play is a group that aids the special needs community through their own Dance Movement Therapy (DMT). Led by their eager instructors, Heart at Play got everyone moving and strutting to upbeat songs. But it wasn’t just a dance routine. The whole exercise made use of ropes and puzzle mats to encourage movement in the special-needs kids to aid develop their sensory and motor skills, among others. It was for sure an exceptional activity that was both fun and beneficial.
The groups soon gathered for a much deserved lunch care of the people from SKD Academy. After an animated group picture, the kids received colorful story books as memento for the day’s activities.
It is always encouraging to see this many people gather for a volunteer event. Thank U! to all who became part of it.
